Session 6

Question 1

Define the concept of culture.

Answer 1

1. It is not an individual thing but always takes place in a social context.
2. It defines what is acceptable in a particular community and distinguishes humans from animals.
3. It is linked to symbols and language
4. It shapes our behaviour and is closely linked to traditions, customs and beliefs.
5. it varies from community to community and is never static

Question 2

Discuss the relationship between culture and health.

Answer 2

1. Culture will influence all aspects of life and will also influence whether one consults a traditional healer or an orthodox health worker.
2. Different cultures experience pain, birth and death in different ways and different importance is linked to different stages in the life cycle.
3. Distinct differences in gender roles are present in different cultures, which will influence the relation between the doctor and the patient and the consultation process.

Question 3

Name the 6 elements of culture.

Answer 3

1. Values
2. Norms
3. Sanctions
4. Symbols
5. Material culture
6. Rituals

Question 4

Explain the ‘Values’ element of culture.

Answer 4

1. A value is an idea shared by people in society about is what is wrong or right, good or bad and desirable and undesirable.
2. There is always a positive and a negative aspect as far as values are concerned.
3. Values can’t exist in isolation

Question 5

Explain the ‘Norms’ element of culture.

Answer 5

1. It is the expectations of how people are supposed to act, think and feel in specific situations.
2. Norms are either formal and informal
3. Formal documented norms are laws
4. Informal unwritten norms are the behaviours which are understood and accepted by society.
5. Mores are norms that are considered as more sacred and violation of them may lead to serious consequences.

Question 6

List 4 symbols in culture.

Answer 6

1. language
2. dance
3. music
4. art

Question 7

Explain the ‘Material culture’ element of culture.

Answer 7

1. Physical objects such as tools, books, clothing and machines represent material culture.
2. Material culture which has a religious meaning to one group may only have an ornamental meaning to another.

Question 8

Explain the ‘Rituals’ element of culture.

Answer 8

1. Rituals have social, psychological and symbolic dimensions.
2. Ritual symbols act as a ‘bridge’ lining the psychological and social stages of human life.

Question 9

Define the concept of Ethnicity

Answer 9

1. All people from a specific geographic region.
2. A group speaking the same language and practicing the same religion.
3. Any group that is distinguished from other groups, has developed a distinct subculture and has a shared feeling of peoplehood.

Question 10

What is ethnocentrism?

Answer 10

It is the tendency to see your own culture as superior and judge other cultures by the standards of your own and measure against the values of your own.