CULTURE

Culturally shared _______ involve answers to questions such as human origins, concepts of time, space, reality, and the existence of a supernatural being.  

• A. traditions

• B. beliefs

• C. norms

• D. values

Answer explanation

Beliefs are culturally shared answers to questions about human origins, concepts of time, space, reality, and the existence of a supernatural being. They shape our understanding of the world and provide explanations for the unknown. In this context, the correct choice is 'beliefs' as it aligns with the given description. The question asks for the cultural aspects that involve these answers, and beliefs fit this criterion. The other options, traditions, norms, and values, may also play a role in culture but do not specifically address the given questions.

It is NOT a function of religion:

• A.   To give meaning to existence

• B.    To facilitate the commercialization of products

• C.    To facilitate social cohesion

• D.   To provide emotional support

Answer explanation

The function of religion is to give meaning to existence, facilitate social cohesion, and provide emotional support. However, it is not a function of religion to facilitate the commercialization of products. Religion serves various purposes, but commercialization is not one of them. This answer explanation highlights that option B, 'To facilitate the commercialization of products,' is incorrect. The question asks for the function of religion, and this option does not align with the intended functions.

Rooted habits are difficult to modify, making people do everything possible to keep their own social heritage instead of facing the changes that occur in the world. This is because…

• A.   Culture is material and nonmaterial

• B.    Culture is idealized

• C.    Culture is an artifact

• D.   None of the above

Answer explanation

Rooted habits are difficult to modify, making people do everything possible to preserve their social heritage instead of embracing the changes in the world. This is because culture is idealized, representing a set of values, beliefs, and practices that individuals hold dear. It is deeply ingrained in their identity, making it challenging to let go. Therefore, individuals tend to cling to their cultural traditions and resist change, as it threatens their sense of belonging and stability.

________ tell individuals how to behave in given situations

• A.   Beliefs

• B.    Artifacts

• C.    Norms

• D.   Rituals

Answer explanation

Norms are guidelines that tell individuals how to behave in given situations. They are not beliefs, artifacts, or rituals. Norms provide a framework for social interactions and help maintain order and cohesion within a group or society.

Myths serve four interrelated functions in a culture, which function explains the origins of existence?

• A.   Cosmological function

• B.    Metaphysical function

• C.    Sociological function

• D.   Psychological function

Answer explanation

Myths serve a metaphysical function, which explores the fundamental nature of reality and existence. This function delves into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of human existence, seeking to understand the origins and purpose of life. The correct choice is 'Metaphysical function'.

Maria Gomez is thrilled to be in the United States. After spending her childhood years in Mexico, she is looking forward to the freedom given to teenage girls in the United States. "I can wear shorts, pantsuits, and even halter tops and no one will think badly of me," says Maria. Maria is in the process of:

• A.   maintenance

• B.    adaptation

• C.    resistance

• D.   segregation

Answer explanation

Maria Gomez is excited about the freedom she will have in the United States, where she can wear different types of clothing without being judged. This shows that she is going through a process of adapting to the new culture and its norms. The correct choice is 'adaptation'.

How does a group of people maintain consistent values and beliefs over time?

• A.   Through periodical meetings

• B.    Effective socialization

• C.    By rewarding them

• D.   Utilizing a role model or mentor program

Answer explanation

To maintain consistent values and beliefs over time, a group of people can rely on effective socialization. This process helps individuals internalize and adopt shared norms, values, and beliefs. Through socialization, individuals learn from their interactions with others and develop a sense of belonging and identity within the group. Effective socialization ensures that individuals understand and embrace the group's values, leading to consistency in their beliefs and behaviors. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the group can reinforce its shared values and maintain coherence.

If you were trying to help someone reduce his or her ethnocentric thinking, you might suggest all the following EXCEPT:

• A. acknowledge that we always try to interpret actions from a familiar perspective

• B. be mindful of judging behavior using your own cultural framework

• C. work at accepting the actions and practices in the local cultural and social contexts

• D. always judge others using your own cultural framework

Answer explanation

It is not advisable to always judge others using our own cultural framework. This can lead to misunderstandings and hinder cultural understanding.

Something that someone accepts as true:

• A.   ethnocentrism

• B.    cultural appropriation

• C.    belief

• D.   myth

Answer explanation

The question asks for something that someone accepts as true. Among the given options, the correct choice is 'belief'. Belief refers to accepting something as true or real without requiring proof. It is a subjective acceptance of a statement or proposition.

Each culture has its own universe from which the phenomena manifesting within it is contemplated and analyzed. This means that:

• A.   Cultures are perdurable

• B.    Cultures are subjective

• C.    Cultures are static

• D.   Cultures are uniform

Answer explanation

Each culture has its own way of contemplating and analyzing phenomena within its universe. This means that cultures are subjective, as they are influenced by individual perspectives and beliefs.