4. CULTURE AND SOCIALISATION
Culture and socialisation are integral to understanding human behavior and societal structures. Culture encompasses the knowledge, beliefs, and practices shared among a group, while socialisation is the lifelong process through which individuals learn to become members of society. The chapter explores different dimensions of culture, the various agents of socialisation, and how these elements influence identity and societal roles.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Culture is a dynamic element that evolves and is learned through social interactions.
- Socialisation occurs through various agents, including family, peers, and media, shaping individual behavior and identity.
- Different cultural contexts lead to varying practices and understandings, highlighting the complexity of social interactions.
Key Concepts
- -- Culture
- The complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society.
- -- Socialisation
- The process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors appropriate to their culture, beginning at birth and continuing throughout life.
- -- Ethnocentrism
- The tendency to evaluate other cultures based on the values and standards of one's own culture, often leading to a belief in the superiority of one’s own culture.
- -- Cognitive Aspects of Culture
- These aspects refer to how individuals learn, process information, and derive meaning from their interactions within their culture.
- -- Normative Aspects of Culture
- These aspects include the rules of conduct and social norms that govern behavior within a culture.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.