Four Contributions made by culture 1 It provides a basis for identity in terms of gender age and occupations we have Culture tells us what s appropriate for us Example traditional culture less variety of identities 2 Explanation of reality Natural reality of why life is the way it is Both science and religion have perspectives and explanations 3 Provide us with goals to pursue If we want to be happy and please others we must achieve certain goals 4 The meaning of life is What is the point of life Humans ask questions that no one has the answer to Culture tries to provide answers to these questions Enculturation cultural transmission process for appropriate beliefs values and behavior The main purpose for a culture is to reproduce itself 3 ways enculturation takes place 1 Ethics rules of life These are taught when we re young and are expected to follow throughout life 2 Laws written legal codes that outline our behaviors beliefs and morals Customs not written understood rather These are just as important as laws Laws are interpreted more 3 Symbols surround and teach us They show us what s appropriate Example McDonald s signs are invisibly telling us what to think Sanctions punishment for violations of appropriate behavior or beliefs Internal Punishments that come from within ourselves Example guilt shame humiliation and embarrassment External Imposed on us from outside Example Jail is imposed All investigations are looking for truth For anthropology truth values What does it mean to belong Values are going to change overtime and vary with cultures Cultural Relativism when we look at cultures besides our own we see their behaviors and beliefs through their eyes Why do they do what they do Reflexivity Why do I believe the things that I do Ethnocentrism I am truly human Whatever I believe is right The more like me you are the more normal you are You should judge the world from your view The opposite of reflexivity Everyone is ethnocentric because we grow believing things we re taught when we re younger enculturation The problem is when you re not reflexive about new ideas Dominant Discourse Shorthand language to create and reinforce ideas about ourselves and others One word can trigger many ideas thoughts and images Symbolic Culture Abstract representations of the world in order to explain or control Survival and abstract thinking symbolic culture Remember the paste Control the present Plan for the future Recognize patterns in nature Symbolic Communication Language Gestures Objects