Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan

Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan

By Ann Kennedy, 2010 Fellow

Overview:

Students will examine the meaning of culture and various elements that make the cultures of the United States and Japan unique. Students will use the World Wide Web to research their answers.

Instructional Objectives:

Students will identify elements of culture and explain their meaning.

Students will compare Japanese culture with culture in the United States.

Time: One class period

Materials Needed:

Computer with Internet access

Worksheet

Procedure:

1.  Review with students the definition of culture.

2.  Review with students the variety of elements that contribute to culture.

3.  Distribute copies of the handout, Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan.

4.  Tell students that they are to work with a partner to answer the following question:

If an alien landed in your backyard and wanted to know about the culture of the people of the United States, what would you answer?

5.  Conduct a whole class discussion to allow students to share their answers. Use the handout to categorize the answers.

6.  Next ask students the following question - If the alien pointed to a map and said, “Now, tell me about the culture of the people who live in Japan, what would you say?”

7.  Use this time to determine what the students know about Japan. Most likely their knowledge is limited to stereotypes. Tell them that they are going to use the World Wide Web to read about Japan and complete the worksheet.

8.  FOLLOW-UP ASSIGNMENT: Have students make posters showing the cultural differences between Japan and the United States.

Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan

Sociologists use several elements to help define culture and explain how culture is expressed in different countries around the world. Complete the following chart of selected elements of culture. For each element listed explain what it means and then give an appropriate answer for culture in the United States and in Japan.

ELEMENT / MEANING / U.S. EXAMPLES / JANANESE EXAMPLES
Symbols / Something that represents meaning to the culture.
Values / Something of great worth or value in a culture; a standard or judgment of what is right, good, desirable, or held in high esteem.
Norms / Rules of behavior that tell members of a culture how to behave in various situations.
Mores / A mores is a norm that is so strong that violation of it carries a social sanction. Mores are essential to the well-being of the whole society.
Art / A form of expression that comes in a variety of forms including music, dance, drama, and visual arts.
Religion and beliefs / Rituals and traditions practiced. These may be religious but may include anything the people hold to be important.
Language / Sounds and written symbols that a society uses to communicate and interact.
Social Collectives / Social groups, organizations, communities, institutions, and social classes.

POSSIBLE ANSWERS:

Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan

Sociologists use several elements to help define culture and explain how culture is expressed in different countries around the world. Complete the following chart of selected elements of culture. For each element listed explain what it means and then give an appropriate answer for culture in the United States and in Japan.

ELEMENT / MEANING / U.S. EXAMPLES / JANANESE EXAMPLES
Symbols / Something that represents meaning to the culture. / Statue of Liberty / Mt. Fuji; Geisha, Miyajima; Kimono
Values / Something of great worth or value in a culture; a standard or judgment of what is right, good, desirable, or held in high esteem. / Personal freedom and liberty; equality of opportunity / Public peace and order, high standard of education
Norms / Rules of behavior that tell members of a culture how to behave in various situations. / Wearing a cap and gown at graduation. Turn off cell phone at a funeral or wedding. / Slurp your noodles when eating!
Bow when you meet someone.
Mores / A mores is a norm that is so strong that violation of it carries a social sanction. Mores are essential to the well-being of the whole society. / Parking your car across the lawn rather than in the driveway. / Littering is forbidden,
Art / A form of expression that comes in a variety of forms including music, dance, drama, and visual arts. / Hip Hop music and dance, High School Musical / Calligraphy, Haiku, Kabuki, origami
Religion and beliefs / Rituals and traditions practiced. These may be religious but may include anything the people hold to be important. / Christianity – baptism, prayer, churches / Shintoism, Buddhism, shrines, temples
Language / Sounds and written symbols that a society uses to communicate and interact. / English, Spanish, Vietnamese, etc. “Good morning” / Japanese – “oh-HAH-yah”
Social Collectives / Social groups, organizations, communities, institutions, and social classes. / Band, scouts, Sororities, Middle Class / School clubs