Unit 3: Social, Cultural, Religious & Ethical Attributes Social Structure

Class attributes

Culture is a system of values and norms shared by a group of people which form their design of living.

Values are abstract ideas about what a group believes to be good, right and desirable. They may include common attitudes toward such concepts, like individual freedom, democracy, truth, justice, social obligations, and role of women, sex, marriage and so on. Values are based on culture and impact political and economic system of a society.

Norms are social rules that lead people’s actions towards each other. Norms are divided into Folkways and Mores. Folkways are the routine practices of everyday life, i.e. dress code, business etiquette and neighbor behavior. Violation of folkways is not usually a serious matter. Mores are core to the functioning of society and its social life. They have much more significance than folkways. Violating mores can bring serious retribution. In many countries certain mores have been made into laws. For example, in America drinking alcohol is widely accepted but in Saudi Arabia drinking alcohol is illegal and is punishable by imprisonment.
Culture, Society and Nation are closely connected to each other. For example, a nation state can have several cultures. Similarly a culture can embrace several nation states. Social culture and religion can influence the values and norms and vice versa. The values and norms of culture can emerge over years.
Culture and Workplace

Culture affects workplace in four ways: (1) power distance, (2) uncertainty avoidance, (3) individualism vs. collectivism and (4) masculinity vs. femininity.

Power distance determines how people of unequal physical and intellectual capabilities interact with each other.