Different Perspectives on Culture (AQA A-Level Sociology): Flashcards

Do individuals shape culture or does culture shape individuals?

Free will & capacity to make independent cultural choices

Social forces & institutions that shape & constrain behaviour

Ability to think critically about ourselves & surroundings

Creates social order & cohesion through shared values

Cultural products valued for money not intrinsic worth

Culture produced by dominant groups to justify their power

Leadership through cultural/ideological means not coercion

Maintained through interaction via signs & symbols

'I' = active/decision-making; 'me' = socialised aspect

Different treatment creates masculine & feminine identities

Multiple & fluid identities rather than fixed/singular

No essential identity in postmodern society

Treats humans as passive, ignores role in creating culture

Conformity to consumer culture, not rejection of it