What is Culture ?

CultureTraits- Activities and behaviors that people often take part in. Example: The Amish are a religious group in the U.S. And Canada. They believe in a simple way of life. No cars, electricity, plain clothes. Many plow their fields with horses. This example shows how the culture traits of religion, farming, and the use of technology can be linked.

Culture Region-An area in which people have many shared culture traits. Example: Japan has one dominant culture throughout the country. Some countries in Africa include dozens of different ethnic groups. ( shared common culture or ancestry) Sometimes country borders divide culture regions. (The Kurds) The countries of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey divide their traditional homeland.

Do cultures change?

How have these things changed over time? Technology Housing Fashion Language Food Government Travel Economy Religion Education

Things you should know. Two concepts help us understand how cultures change: 1. innovation- New ideas that culture accepts. (baseball, shipbuilding) 2. diffusion- This is when an idea or innovation spreads from one person or group to another and is adopted.

Globalization Connections around the world increase and cultures become more alike. Technology has allowed information to be delivered around the globe constantly. Culture traits are spreading more quickly than at any other time in human history. (fast foods, automobiles, music, fashion)

Traditionalism- The opposite of globalization. This is following long time practices and opposing many modern technologies and ideas. Fundamentalism- Religious reaction to to the spread of modern culture. Strictly following established principles and teaching.

What do you think are the most important parts of YOUR culture? ___________________________________________ On a sheet of white paper, illustrate several elements of YOUR culture. Use the whole sheet of paper with color (I prefer colored pencils). The title should be MY CULTURE