Influence of Material Culture on Social Norms

In sociological terms, culture can be segmented into two main components: material culture and non-material culture. Material culture includes the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. This can include things like clothing, architecture, and technology. Non-material culture, on the other hand, encompasses the non-physical aspects such as beliefs, values, customs, and social norms. Understanding the distinctions between these two components is crucial in analyzing how they interact and affect societal behavior.

In recent discussions regarding contemporary culture, one debate centers around how material culture can influence non-material culture. For instance, the rise of social media platforms is significantly altering communication styles and social interactions among individuals. This raises the question: how does the value placed on technology as part of material culture reflect and shape the social norms within a community?