Unit 2: Culture, Identity, and Socialization:

2-mark Questions 

Q1: Identify two elements of culture.

Answer:

1. Language

2. Norms

Q2: Identify two agencies of socialization.

Answer:

1. Family

2. Media

Q3: Identify two examples of subcultures.

Answer:

1. Punk

2. Hippie

4-mark Questions (describe two things each)

Q1: Describe two ways norms are learned in the family.

Answer:

1. Imitation – Children copy their parents’ behavior, learning acceptable ways to act.

2. Sanctions – Parents use rewards and punishments to teach children what is right and wrong.

Q2: Describe two examples of cultural diversity.

Answer:

1. Religious practices – Different societies may follow different religions, such as Christianity or Islam.

2. Food traditions – Cultures have unique cuisines, like sushi in Japan or curry in India.

Q3: Describe two features of subcultures.

Answer:

1. Distinctive values – Subcultures often have beliefs that differ from the mainstream, like rejecting consumerism.

2. Unique styles – They may use specific clothing or music to express group identity.

8-mark Questions (2 strengths + 2 limitations with explanations)

Q1: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using media to transmit culture.

Answer:

1. Strength 1: Wide reach – Media can spread cultural values to large audiences quickly.

2. Strength 2: Reinforces norms – Shows and adverts can promote shared social expectations.

1. Limitation 1: Stereotyping – Media can present biased or narrow views of groups.

2. Limitation 2: Cultural imperialism – Dominant cultures may overshadow local traditions.

Q2: Describe two strengths and two limitations of studying subcultures.

Answer:

1. Strength 1: Insight into diversity – Research helps understand differences within society.

2. Strength 2: Challenges stereotypes – It reveals complexity beyond labels.

1. Limitation 1: Access issues – Subcultures may resist researchers, making study hard.

2. Limitation 2: Researcher bias – Personal views can distort interpretation.

Q3: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using participant observation to study culture.

Answer:

1. Strength 1: High validity – Observing people in context shows real cultural practices.

2. Strength 2: Builds rapport – Encourages open sharing of cultural meanings.

1. Limitation 1: Time-consuming – Long-term immersion is often required.

2. Limitation 2: Ethical concerns – Issues like consent or deception may arise.

10-mark Questions (5 points each with explanation)

Q1: Explain how culture is passed on through socialization.

Answer:

1. Imitation – Children copy behaviors they see in parents and peers.

2. Sanctions – Rewards and punishments teach acceptable conduct.

3. Education – Schools explicitly teach shared values and norms.

4. Media – TV and internet spread cultural ideas to large audiences.

5. Religion – Faith traditions provide moral guidelines and rituals.

Q2: Explain how cultural diversity can be seen in society.

Answer:

1. Language differences – Multiple languages spoken in one country.

2. Religious practices – Coexistence of different faiths.

3. Food traditions – Varied cuisines reflect heritage.

4. Festivals – Celebrating diverse cultural events.

5. Clothing styles – Traditional and modern fashions coexist.

Q3: Explain why subcultures develop in society.

Answer:

1. Rejection of mainstream values – Young people may challenge dominant norms.

2. Shared interests – Groups form around music, sports, or hobbies.

3. Resistance to authority – Subcultures can protest social control.

4. Identity creation – Offers belonging and self-expression.

5. Social inequality – Marginalized groups may develop alternative cultures.

15-mark Essay Questions (full essay form)

Essay 1: ‘Culture is learned rather than biological.’ Discuss this view.

Introduction

Culture refers to shared norms, values, and practices. Sociologists generally see it as learned through socialization, but debates remain about nature versus nurture.

Body 1: Arguments culture is learned

Socialization teaches norms and values. Margaret Mead’s study in Samoa showed child-rearing varies culturally. Primary socialization from family, secondary from school, peers. Language, religion, and traditions are taught. Media reinforces cultural norms.

Body 2: Arguments for inheritance or biological factors

Some sociobiologists argue behavior has evolutionary roots (e.g., aggression for survival). Innate drives shape behavior. Critics argue biology can set limits but culture determines expression. Differences between societies show learning dominates.

Conclusion

While biology may set broad limits, culture is overwhelmingly learned. I believe socialization explains most cultural differences.

Essay 2: "Subcultures threaten social order." Discuss this view.

Introduction

Subcultures are groups with distinct norms and values. Some see them as deviant and threatening order; others see them as expressions of identity.

Body 1: Arguments subcultures threaten order

Albert Cohen argued delinquent subcultures reject mainstream values. Media moral panics (Stanley Cohen’s study of mods and rockers) show how they are labeled dangerous. Gang subcultures linked to violence and crime.

Body 2: Arguments subcultures don’t threaten order

Subcultures offer belonging and identity. Can be creative, e.g., youth music scenes. Functionalists argue they help release tension safely. Labels can exaggerate threat; moral panics often reflect adult fears.

Conclusion

While some subcultures involve deviance, many are harmless or even positive. I believe they are often unfairly scapegoated.

Essay 3: "The media is the main source of cultural transmission." Discuss this view.

Introduction

Cultural transmission is passing norms and values to new generations. Some argue media is now the main source, while others emphasize family, school, and peers.

Body 1: Media as main source

Children spend hours watching TV or online. Media teaches consumer values. Globalization spreads cultural norms quickly. Gerbner’s cultivation theory suggests repeated media messages shape beliefs.

Body 2: Other sources remain important

Family socializes children first, teaching language and values. Schools teach history, citizenship. Peers reinforce norms through acceptance/rejection. Religion provides moral frameworks. Media may reinforce but not replace these.

Conclusion

Media is a powerful source of cultural transmission but not the only one. I believe family and school remain central, with media adding to their influence.

QUESTIONS DONE BY FARIDA SABET

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