SOCI 203 Introduction to Society -
Comprehensive Notes on Culture & Socialization
(Chapter 1-4) 2025-2026 Concordia University)
Soci 203:
Chapter 1:
The Sociological Perspective?
•
Chapter 2:
What is culture?
• ways of thinking,
• ways of acting, and
• material objects
that together form a people’s way of life
Culture terms?
• Nonmaterial culture: The ideas created by members of a society
• Material culture: The physical things created by members of a society
• Culture shock: Personal disorientation when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life
Culture, nation, and society?
• Culture: refers to a shared way of life
• Nation: a political entity, a territory with designated borders
• Society: organized interaction of people who typically live in a nation or some other
specific territory
• Canada is multicultural; people follow various ways of life that blend (and sometimes
clash)
Elements of culture (1 of 3)?
, • Symbols: Anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share a
culture.
• Cyber symbols: Such as emoticons, for example, have developed along with our
increasing use of computers for communication.
• Language: A system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another
• Cultural transmission: The process by which one generation passes culture to the
next
• Sapir-Whorf thesis: The idea that people see and understand the world through
the cultural lens of language
• Values: Culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good,
and beautiful and that serve as broad guidelines for social living
• Beliefs: Specific thoughts or ideas that people hold to be true
Norms, Folkways, and Mores?
• Norms: Rules and expectations by which society guides the behaviour of its members
• Folkways: Norms for routine or casual interaction, e.g., proper dress.
• Mores: Norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance, e.g., no
sexual relations with children.
• Laws: Systems of rules recognized and enforced by governing institutions.
Social control?
• Sanctions: an approving smile or a raised eyebrow—operate as a system of social
control: attempts by society to regulate people’s thoughts and behaviour
Ideal and Real Culture?
Comprehensive Notes on Culture & Socialization
(Chapter 1-4) 2025-2026 Concordia University)
Soci 203:
Chapter 1:
The Sociological Perspective?
•
Chapter 2:
What is culture?
• ways of thinking,
• ways of acting, and
• material objects
that together form a people’s way of life
Culture terms?
• Nonmaterial culture: The ideas created by members of a society
• Material culture: The physical things created by members of a society
• Culture shock: Personal disorientation when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life
Culture, nation, and society?
• Culture: refers to a shared way of life
• Nation: a political entity, a territory with designated borders
• Society: organized interaction of people who typically live in a nation or some other
specific territory
• Canada is multicultural; people follow various ways of life that blend (and sometimes
clash)
Elements of culture (1 of 3)?
, • Symbols: Anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share a
culture.
• Cyber symbols: Such as emoticons, for example, have developed along with our
increasing use of computers for communication.
• Language: A system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another
• Cultural transmission: The process by which one generation passes culture to the
next
• Sapir-Whorf thesis: The idea that people see and understand the world through
the cultural lens of language
• Values: Culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good,
and beautiful and that serve as broad guidelines for social living
• Beliefs: Specific thoughts or ideas that people hold to be true
Norms, Folkways, and Mores?
• Norms: Rules and expectations by which society guides the behaviour of its members
• Folkways: Norms for routine or casual interaction, e.g., proper dress.
• Mores: Norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance, e.g., no
sexual relations with children.
• Laws: Systems of rules recognized and enforced by governing institutions.
Social control?
• Sanctions: an approving smile or a raised eyebrow—operate as a system of social
control: attempts by society to regulate people’s thoughts and behaviour
Ideal and Real Culture?
