Culture, Socialization, and Social Structures

Culture, Socialization, and Social Structures

Tori Campbell

Prof. Toye

March 3, 2014

Abstract

The textbook, Essentials of Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach written by James M. Henslin, discusses in chapters two, three and four, culture, socialization and social structures as they pertain to sociology. Culture is the beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes held by a group of people. Socialization is the interaction with others and other people and groups play in our interactions. Social structures are the framework such as our social class, family, and religion. In this essay, I will answer questions about culture, socialization, and social structures.

Culture: Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

“Ethnocentrism is the tendency to use your own group’s way of thinking as a yard stick to judge others” (Henslin, 37). According to Southern Nazarene University, ethnocentrism can lead to premature judgments. Some examples of this and ways of ethnocentric thinking is saying that the British drive on the “wrong” side of the road versus saying the opposite side of the road. Another example could be describing written Hebrew as reading “backwards”   instead of just saying it is read from right to left.

“Cultural relativism is to counter our tendency to use our own culture as the standard by which we judge other cultures, it is to try to judge a culture on its own terms.” (Henslin, 37).  Cultural relativism is the way, I think, people should strive to live by. The best way to accomplish this, I believe, is to obtain as much knowledge as possible about other culture and practices of those cultures. This research and knowledge could lead to understanding why a culture participates in certain practices and behaviors versus one’s own culture.

I honestly believe I favor ethnocentrism. I believe that I judge other cultures and their behaviors against my own cultures and standards. I believe that a lot of the things America does is the “right” way. I think this is due to the fact that I have lived in America all my life and never travelled outside of the United States. I have never had to experience another culture for more than a few minutes. I wish to strive to live in a more cultural relativist mindset so that communication is done freely and openly. I wouldn’t want people to judge me negatively because of the culture I grew up in and the practices upheld by these cultures. I do not think there is a right or wrong way to live one’s life essentially. I believe there are many different ways and people have different practices and values. No one culture is better than any other culture. All have their strengths and weaknesses and being different is what makes them unique and interesting.