Cultural Concepts Quiz

(a)   is the knowledge, language, values, beliefs, customs, and physical objects that are passed from generation to generation among members of a group.

• Counterculture

• Culture

• Subculture

• Society

Answer explanation

Culture is the correct answer as it encompasses the knowledge, language, values, beliefs, customs, and physical objects shared and passed down within a group, distinguishing it from counterculture, subculture, and society.

Ancient Egyptian jewelry, art, and clothing from a recent archeological discovery are studied by a team of sociologists. The sociologists would label these findings as what?

• Non-material culture

• Symbolic culture

• Material culture

• Traditional culture

Answer explanation

The findings of ancient Egyptian jewelry, art, and clothing are tangible objects that represent the culture of that time. Therefore, they are classified as material culture, which encompasses physical items created by a society.

Which of the following groups would be considered a part of counterculture?

• Gangs

• The mafia

• The KKK

• All the above

Answer explanation

Counterculture refers to groups that reject mainstream values. Gangs, the mafia, and the KKK all operate outside societal norms, promoting alternative lifestyles or ideologies, thus fitting the definition of counterculture.

A small cultural group a part of the larger culture (for example hipsters) is called a what?

• Subculture

• Cult

• Minority

• Ideal Culture

Answer explanation

A subculture is a smaller cultural group within a larger culture, like hipsters. It differs from a cult, which often has more extreme beliefs, and is not synonymous with minority or ideal culture.

__________ are simply rules that define appropriate and inappropriate behavior in our society.

• Norms

• Laws

• Taboos

• Mores

Answer explanation

Norms are the unwritten rules that govern behavior in society, distinguishing between what is considered acceptable and unacceptable. Unlike laws, which are formalized, norms are more about social expectations.

Your waiter at a restaurant comes back with ranch dressing instead of French dressing and you stab him. Now, you have violated a ________________ and you will definitely go to jail.

• Value

• Folkway

• Taboo

• Law

Answer explanation

You stabbed the waiter, which is a violent act and a clear violation of the law. Unlike folkways or taboos, laws are formal rules enforced by the state, and such actions can lead to criminal charges and jail time.

Sanctions can be ________________, which means they are used as punishment. They can also be ________________ which means they are used for a reward.

• Laws / Confident

• Negative / Positive

• Formal / Prizes

• Informal / Norms

Answer explanation

Sanctions can be classified as negative when used as punishment and positive when used as a reward. Thus, the correct choices are 'Negative' for punishment and 'Positive' for reward.

Jill was driving down the highway at a very high rate of speed and was pulled over by a police officer, who issued her a ticket. This ticket serves as a sanction, a punishment for violating the norms of driving. What kind of sanction was Jill issued in the question?

• Informal / Negative

• Informal / Positive

• Formal / Negative

• Formal / Positive

Answer explanation

Jill received a ticket for speeding, which is a formal punishment issued by law enforcement. This sanction is negative as it penalizes her for violating driving norms.

Juan scored a 100 on his World History exam. He was complimented by his teacher for his high grade. What kind of sanction was Juan issued in the question?

• Formal / Negative

• Formal / Positive

• Informal / Negative

• Informal / Positive

Answer explanation

Juan received a compliment from his teacher for scoring 100, which is a positive acknowledgment. Since it was informal and not a formal award, the correct classification is Informal / Positive.