Cultural diversity (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

Cultural diversity

• Cultural diversity refers to the differences in norms, values, beliefs, customs and lifestyles that exist between societies and within the same society

• It shows that culture is not fixed

  • It changes over time and varies between different social groups, regions and countries

• Sociologists study cultural diversity to understand how societies differ and how people adapt to new cultural ideas and practices

Cultural diversity over time

• Cultures are constantly changing – what was once considered acceptable or normal can change as values and laws evolve

  • E.g., until 1965, the death penalty was part of British culture, and abortion was illegal except under strict conditions

  • Today, both practices are very different — capital punishment has been abolished, and abortion is available under medical supervision

• These examples show how British culture has changed over time, reflecting shifts in moral attitudes, scientific progress and social values

Cultural diversity between groups

• Even within one country, cultural norms and values can vary between religious groups, social classes, and age groups

  • E.g., Sikh men are required by their religion to wear a turban, which initially conflicted with UK road safety laws that required motorcycle helmets

  • The law was later changed to respect cultural differences

• Social class can influence lifestyle and leisure activities, while age groups may have different preferences in fashion, music and technology use

• These differences illustrate that a society can contain many subcultures

Subcultures

• A subculture is a smaller group within a society that has its own distinct norms, values, fashion, music, or beliefs, which may differ from the mainstream culture

• Subcultures are often formed around age, interests, or identity

  • E.g., groups such as mods, rockers, hippies, and goths, each with their own styles and values

• The hippie movement of the 1960s is one well-known example:

  • Hippies rejected mainstream materialism and promoted peace, love and nature

  • They often wore colourful, flowing clothes, grew long hair, and protested against war and nuclear weapons

• Other examples of subcultures include religious groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, or travelling communities, which follow distinctive lifestyles and customs

Cultural diversity across the world

• Around the world, cultures differ in food, dress, customs, family life, beliefs, and ways of doing everyday activities

• These variations can be seen in table manners, greetings, and traditions:

  • In Britain, people use a knife and fork to eat meals

  • In China, chopsticks are used

  • In parts of India and the Middle East, food is eaten with the right hand

  • In Britain, it is polite to say 'thank you' after a meal

  • In Japan, slurping noodles is seen as a compliment to the cook, but in Britain, it might be viewed as rude

• These examples show that what is normal in one culture may be offensive in another