Culture (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
What is culture?
Culture refers to the shared beliefs and behaviours of a society that are passed down from one generation to the next
It is the way of life for a society and links the individual to society
Culture includes things a society regards as important, such as
Customs and traditions
E.g., in the UK, events like royal weddings, coronations, and jubilees are marked with public celebrations, street parties, and national holidays
Languages
Language is both a tool for communicating culture to the next generation and a core component of what defines it
Knowledge
Knowledge includes practical skills, e.g., cooking, health practices, and religious teachings; it informs people of expected behaviours to help preserve a society’s way of life
Beliefs
Beliefs underpin cultural identity; they influence how people understand the world and guide their behaviour; e.g., in the UK, the majority subscribe to Christian beliefs
Values
Values are deeply held principles or standards that people in society consider important and desirable, e.g., family life, educational achievement, and personal wealth
Norms
Norms are the unwritten rules and expectations for behaviour that guide how people act in everyday situations and help maintain social order, e.g., using manners, maintaining personal space, being punctual
The components of culture described above vary greatly from culture to culture
E.g., polygamy and eating animals like dogs, horses and frogs are permitted in some cultures but considered unacceptable and abnormal in others
Cultural variations are a feature of large, complex societies
Various subcultures exist that differ significantly from the mainstream culture; e.g., different religious groups may have different norms and beliefs
Cultures and their norms and values change over time
E.g., attitudes towards homosexuality, smoking, cohabitation and women in the workplace have all changed in the recent past
Examiner Tips and Tricks
As culture is a core theme in A Level Sociology, make sure you link it to key topics. For example:
In education, you can discuss how cultural capital influences class achievement
In crime, explore how subcultural values explain deviant behaviour
If you are studying families, consider how cultural norms shape roles and relationships
Using examples like these helps you apply concepts effectively and secure AO2 marks.
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