Study Guide
Henslin, James M. Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. 8th edition. Pearson: Boston,
2007.
Chapter 2, Culture
What is a sociological definition of culture?
What is the difference between material culture and non-material culture?
Anthropologist Ralph Linton said, “The last thing a fish would ever notice would be
water.” What does this statement reveal about one’s culture, and what are its
implications for sociological research?
In your own words, define culture shock and enthnocentrism.
Who developed the concept of ethnocentricism and what are its positive and negative
effects?
According to the idea of cultural relativism, how should we seek to understand other
cultures?
Do you believe that we should practice cultural relativism all the time and in every
circumstance?
How do sociologists define a symbol when speaking of culture?
For each of these components of symbolic culture, give an example from Chinese culture
and from Western culture:
 Gestures (Are there any universal gestures?)
 Language (Give an example of two words with a common sound but different
meanings. Is there any universal connection between a sound and a meaning?)
 Norms
 Folkways
 Mores
Henslin says, “Language allows culture to exist” (p. 48). Explain two ways in which
language performs this role.
According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, what is the role of language in cultural
experiences?
What is a sanction in sociology? Give an example of a positive sanction and a negative
sanction in Chinese and in Western culture.
Give an example of a moral holiday in Western culture and in Asian culture.
What is the difference between folkways, mores, and taboos? Can you give an example
of a universal more or taboo?
Subcultures and countercultures are identified relative to the dominant or mainstream
culture. Who defines the mainstream culture?
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Study Guide
Henslin, James M. Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. 8th edition. Pearson: Boston,
2007.
What is the difference between a subculture and a counterculture? Name one
subculture or counterculture that you belong to.
What is a pluralistic society? Which society do you believe is more pluralistic; American
(or Canadian) society, or Chinese society? Why?
Name three core values associated with American culture, and three core values
associated with Chinese culture.
What is the role of values in shaping society, changing society, and molding our opinions
of ourselves and others?
What is the difference between the ideal and the real culture?
In your own words, contrast the viewpoint on human behavior of social biologists and
sociologists. In your opinion, which viewpoint does the lack of cultural universals seem
to support?
What is the relationship between technology, in the broad sense, and a culture’s
material culture?
Explain Henslin’s statement that “technology sets the framework for a group’s nonmaterial culture.”
According to William Ogburn, who coined the term “cultural lag,” what part of a group’s
culture usually changes first while the other lags behind? Give an example of this
phenomenon from Western or Eastern culture.
What are cultural diffusion and cultural leveling? What modern development has led to
their rapid growth?
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