Boston's harbor is an example of the interaction of culture and the environment. How did citizens of Boston change the harbor to meet their needs? How did the harbor influence Boston's culture?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: A natural harbor has lead to a rich maritime history in Boston. The city developed lobster and fishing industries as a result. A growing population encouraged Boston’s citizens to find new land to build on. As a result, citizens progressively built out into the harbor, adding new land and managing the harbor’s size.
What are some ways that humans modify their environments to suit the needs of their societies?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Humans commonly modify their environments by constructing roads, bridges, highways, and other structures for transportation. They can create parks, lakes, recreational areas, beaches, and other water areas. Humans construct houses, offices, skyscrapers, shopping centers, and other buildings to live and work in. Finally, they build hospitals, police stations, schools, fire stations, and other buildings for government services.
Which of the following is not a reason for why local culture makes places unique?
Explain the relationship between a subculture and a dominant culture.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: A subculture is practiced by a smaller group of people than a dominant culture. Subcultures are different from the larger group for reasons that include beliefs, customs, ethnic backgrounds, and religion. Larger, dominant cultures may see subcultures as a threat.
Compare and contrast cultural diffusion and cultural appropriation. How are these two processes part of the same system?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Cultural diffusion and cultural appropriation are means of cultural sharing. Cultural diffusion refers to the process by which characteristics of one culture are spread to nearby cultures. Media, trade, and popular culture can help diffusion take place. Appropriation refers to the borrowing or adopting of customs from another culture. When diffusing culture, a group is spreading its beliefs, practices, and values. When appropriating culture, a group is taking beliefs, practices, and values from others.
The way in which people absorb outside cultures is called __________.
If a person has adapted to an environment, they have __________.
The fact that yoga and acupuncture have been adopted into American culture and are increasing in popularity is an example of __________.
Heterogeneous is best described as _____________.
Analyze three cultural practices of the Inuit that have been influenced by their environment. How can environments shape cultures' behaviors, norms, and beliefs?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Students may discuss a number of Inuit practices, such as diet, housing, clothing, and transportation.) Sparse vegetation has influenced a traditional diet that consists of fish and hunted food. Snow and ice influenced traditional forms of housing, and methods of transportation must be compatible with snowy environments. The prevalence of animal products has made these products popular for fabrics and clothing.
The way in which people absorb outside cultures is called __________.
Explain the relationship between a subculture and a dominant culture.
A subculture is a group within a dominant culture that has its own distinctive practices, values, or identity. Its members still participate in the larger society and may share many of its customs, while maintaining traits that distinguish their group.
The fact that yoga and acupuncture have been adopted into American culture and are increasing in popularity is an example of __________.
Compare and contrast cultural diffusion and cultural appropriation. How are these two processes part of the same system?
Cultural diffusion is the spread or exchange of ideas, customs, and objects between cultures, often through contact, migration, trade, or media. Cultural appropriation occurs when people take or use elements of another culture, especially without understanding their meaning, giving credit, or respecting the people from whom they come. Both involve cultural traits moving between groups, so appropriation can be understood as a contested kind of cultural borrowing within the broader process of diffusion. The key difference is that appropriation often involves disrespect or unequal power, while diffusion can involve mutual and respectful exchange.
Boston's harbor is an example of the interaction of culture and the environment. How did citizens of Boston change the harbor to meet their needs? How did the harbor influence Boston's culture?
Citizens changed Boston’s harbor and shoreline by building wharves, docks, and other port facilities, and by filling some tidal flats to create more usable land. The harbor provided access to fishing, shipping, and trade, supporting jobs and connecting Boston to other places. As a result, maritime commerce became an important part of the city’s economy, history, and culture.
What are some ways that humans modify their environments to suit the needs of their societies?
People modify environments by building homes, roads, bridges, and cities; farming land and irrigating crops; constructing dams and canals to manage water; and clearing or reshaping land for transportation and development. These changes help provide food, shelter, water, energy, and places to work, though they can also affect ecosystems.
Heterogeneous is best described as _____________.
Analyze three cultural practices of the Inuit that have been influenced by their environment. How can environments shape cultures' behaviors, norms, and beliefs?
The cold Arctic environment influenced Inuit clothing, shelter, and food practices. People used animal skins and furs to make warm clothing, and in some regions igloos made from snow served as temporary winter shelters. Because farming was difficult, hunting seals, whales, caribou, and other animals was important for food and materials. The need to survive in a harsh climate encouraged cooperation, sharing, and detailed knowledge of animals and seasonal conditions. In this way, the environment can shape a society’s daily behaviors, social norms, and beliefs.
If a person has adapted to an environment, they have __________.
Which of the following is not a reason for why local culture makes places unique?
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