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NCERT Class 11 Sociology Chapter 4 Culture and Socialisation
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Culture and Socialisation
Chapter: 4
| PART – (I) INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY |
| EXERCISES |
1. How does the understanding of culture in social science differ from the everyday use of the word ‘culture’?
Ans: In social science, culture refers to the complex system of shared beliefs, values, practices, customs, and behaviors that define a group or society. In sociological terms, culture implies the common understanding which is learnt and developed through social interaction and then passed on to the next generation. Therefore, in everyday use, the term culture is used for individuals, whereas in sociology, it is used to denote the entire group or the society. It encompasses language, religion, art, social norms, and traditions, shaping how individuals interact and perceive the world. This understanding emphasizes culture as a dynamic, multifaceted concept that influences social structures and individual identities. In contrast, the everyday use of “culture” often refers to more specific aspects like music, food, fashion, or entertainment. There are two different approaches to study cultural change – evolutionary and revolutionary. Evolutionary change is slow whereas Revolutionary change is fast. When a culture is transformed rapidly and its values and meaning system undergo major and extreme changes then we say that there is a Revolutionary change. The social science perspective is broader, focusing on culture as a societal force that shapes collective and individual experiences, beyond just surface-level practices.
2. How can we demonstrate that the different dimensions of culture comprise a whole?
Ans: The different dimensions of culture, such as beliefs, values, language, customs, and social norms, form an interconnected whole by influencing and shaping each other. These studies identified nine dimensions that describe differences in national cultures. These dimensions are power distance, uncertainty avoidance, performance orientation, assertiveness, future orientation, humane orientation, institutional collectivism, in-group collectivism, and gender egalitarianism. Culture has many dimensions, parts and units but they are interrelated and interdependent. They can’t emerge or function in vacuum, instead all the dimensions function as an organisation. Culture maintains a balance.
3. Compare two cultures with which you are familiar. Is it difficult not to be ethnocentric?
Ans: Cultural change is a way in which society changes its patterns of culture. Cultural change takes place through the process of adaptation, contact with other cultures and changes in the natural environment. This change is associated with many sources that can be external factors or can be the internal adjustments of the culture.
There are two different approaches of cultural change:
(i) Evolutionary: The evolutionary approach in sociology is a theoretical perspective that views society and its institutions as undergoing gradual development and transformation over time, similar to biological evolution. The theory of evolution is based on the idea that all species are related and gradually change over time. Evolution relies on there being genetic variation in a population which affects the physical characteristics (phenotype) of an organism.
(ii) Revolutionary: Revolutionary movements seek to completely change every aspect of society—their goal is to change all of society in a dramatic way. Revolutions occur when a number of people in a society feel discontent with the current order and agree that change is necessary.
4. Discuss two different approaches to studying cultural change.
Ans: A sociocultural system presents itself under two aspects: structure and function. As culture evolves, sociocultural systems (like biologic systems) become more differentiated structurally and more specialized functionally, proceeding from the simple to the complex. Two different approaches to studying cultural change are the diffusionist approach and the evolutionary approach. The diffusionist approach suggests that cultural change occurs when elements of one culture are adopted by another through contact, trade, or migration. It emphasizes the spread of ideas, technologies, and practices across societies. In contrast, the evolutionary approach views cultural change as a gradual, internal process where societies evolve over time in response to changing conditions, such as population growth or environmental challenges. There are two types of cultural change, that is, internal cultural change and external cultural change. Although they differ, they have several similarities.
5. Is cosmopolitanism something you associate with modernity? Observe and give examples of ethnocentrism.
Ans: Yes, cosmopolitanism is often associated with modernity, as it reflects openness to diverse cultures and global interconnectedness. Cosmopolitanism means valuing other cultures for their difference. A cosmopolitan perception is always ready to adapt other cultures and share its own culture with others. In this process of sharing, neither foreign culture becomes the legitimate part of one’s own culture, nor does the indigenous culture lose its base. Hence, it respects every culture. Cosmopolitanism is associated with modernity, in contemporary period, as it is emerging in most parts of the world. Since modernity has to deal with time, cosmopolitanism is phenomenon of the modern world. In today’s world, cosmopolitanism promotes the idea of belonging to a global community, embracing cultural exchange and mutual respect. This is particularly evident in urban settings, where people from various backgrounds interact and collaborate. However, ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, remains prevalent. For instance, some people may view Western lifestyles as the standard and criticize other cultures for not adopting them. An example is the global perception of fast food culture, where non-Western diets are sometimes judged as “inferior.”
6. What in your mind is the most effective agent of socialisation for your generation? How do you think it was different before.
Ans: The most effective agent of socialization for my generation is undoubtedly technology, particularly social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube play a significant role in shaping our values, beliefs, and behaviors. Through these platforms, we are exposed to diverse ideas, trends, and cultures, which influence how we perceive ourselves and others. Social media also provides a space for self-expression, fostering connections with like-minded individuals and communities across the globe.
Before the rise of technology and social media, traditional agents of socialization like family, school, and community played a more dominant role. People interacted face-to-face, with limited exposure to global cultures or ideas. Socialization was more localized, with values and norms shaped by direct relationships and experiences in one’s immediate environment. Media influence was primarily through television and print, offering fewer opportunities for personal expression or interaction.
