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3: Cultural Power

  • Page ID
    13451
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    Learning Objectives

    At the end of the module, students will be able to:

    1. explain the implications of culture on social status and stratification
    2. summarize the mechanisms used by dominant groups to develop and sustain culturalpower
    3. understand cultural hegemony
    4. describe the consequences of social conflicts over cultural power
    5. identify and evaluate cultural prejudice and discrimination

    All humans are comprised of the same biological structure and matter. The unique distinctions among us stem from our culture (Kottak and Kozaitis 2012). The differences in our values, beliefs, norms, expressive language, practices, and artifacts is which stands us apart from each other. Being culturally unique projects exclusivity that draws attention to our variations and differences. People find cultural fit or acceptance from those who share uniqueness or the same cultural characteristics. Consequently, people may find or experience intolerance or rejection from those with different cultural traits.

    • 3.1: Cultural Hierarchies
      This page discusses how cultural distinctions define group identity and influence social hierarchies, with cultural group size impacting regional power. It explains that culture is shaped by human mediation rather than just reflecting societal conditions, allowing dominant groups to manipulate cultural values.
    • 3.2: Social and Cultural Capital
      This page discusses social capital, highlighting Putnam's view on its role in society and Bourdieu's perspective on its potential to perpetuate inequality. It explains how social status affects access to resources and cultural capital, which in turn influences individual success. The navigation of statuses and the shifting of identities are noted, along with cultural capital's impact on social mobility and educational outcomes.
    • 3.3: Cultural Hegemoney
      This page discusses the relationship between cultural creation and audience engagement, emphasizing how ruling classes and corporations influence cultural norms for profit. It highlights the role of multinational corporations in shaping mass culture while also acknowledging audience participation, exemplified by the rise of rap music.
    • 3.4: Prejudice and Discrimination
      This page discusses cultural intolerance, which arises from the anxiety of encountering differing beliefs, resulting in either acceptance or rejection of cultural differences. Ethnocentrism fosters division by judging others through one's cultural lens, while cultural relativism promotes understanding. Prejudice and discrimination are rooted in negative attitudes linked to perceived cultural superiority.
    • 3.S: Cultural Power (Summary)
      This page outlines essential sociological terminology, including social status types, discrimination, and cultural dynamics. Key concepts such as achieved/ascribed status, prejudice, and social stratification are highlighted. It explores cultural institutions and the culture industry, along with the effects of social labels. The page references significant sociological studies, illustrating the intricate relationship between culture, social structures, and individual behavior.

    Thumbnail: Counter service in a McDonald's restaurant in Dukhan, Qatar. (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported; Vincent van Zeijst via Wikipedia).


    This page titled 3: Cultural Power is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vera Kennedy via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.