Book Review: �Cultures and Societies in a Changing World�
Book Review: �Cultures and Societies in a Changing World�
The concept of culture and its many often unrecognized aspects are discussed in detail in Wendy Griswold�s third edition of �Cultures and Societies in a Changing World.� Griswold explores the concept of the cultural object, social movements, and many other aspects of culture through the idea of the cultural diamond and helpful examples of ever-changing society.
In the first chapter, Griswold discusses the concept of the cultural diamond through a range of examples. Griswold focuses on cultural objects that can be anything that society receives; whether that is the idea of bread, or Santa Clause. Something becomes a cultural ...
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object. This change promotes growth, helps people explain life, and structure the world. Cultural objects change with the people and nature of the time and help individuals add meaning to life�s experiences. Griswold also relates culture to a mirror by showing that cultural objects are reflective of society. For example, the increasing stimulating nature of television could be reflective of societies growing acceptance of human sexuality and in some cases take no notice in these intimate acts.
Chapter three explores the theory that cultural objects do not arise from one creator, but rather from society�s cultural influence at large. This theory was developed by Emile Durkheim, who believed that all religions are derived from one common root- the scared and the profane. He argues that you do not need to be a person of faith to have this distinction. Griswold discusses the human need for collectivity, unity, and structure in life. Durkheim would argue that religion is one ...
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Leaders of social movements driven by social problems can also mold a career out of their passion, but not without first defining/framing the problem. This grabs the attention of specific institutions through various methods, and motivates people to recognize that a problem exists.
Chapter six focuses on culture and the negative or positive effects it can have on an organization completing their objectives in a world that is continuously changing. Organizational culture can be divided into two levels: the individual and the small-group level, or micro and macro levels. Griswold discusses organizations and how they operate within a certain cultural context, while often at the same ...
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"Book Review: �Cultures and Societies in a Changing World�." Essayworld.com. February 14, 2013. Accessed January 12, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Book-Review-Cultures-Societies-Changing-World/102304.
"Book Review: �Cultures and Societies in a Changing World�." Essayworld.com. February 14, 2013. Accessed January 12, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Book-Review-Cultures-Societies-Changing-World/102304.
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