Ethnic Group

What is an Ethnic Group? A group of people who share a common culture. Ethnic groups can have many things in common: Shared history Common ancestry Language Religion Traditions

Culture

What is Culture? The customs, traditions, beliefs and values that a group of people share.

Elements of Culture Religion Language Customs & Traditions Government Economy

Religion

Religion A set of beliefs that is held by a group of people.

Monotheistic Religions A belief in one god. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all monotheistic religions.

Polytheistic Religions The belief in more than one god.

Language

Language System of communication People who speak the same language often share the same culture

Customs & Traditions

Customs & Traditions Customs & Traditions Custom: A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people. Traditions: The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation

Example of Customs & Traditions It is the custom for the bride to wear a white dress on her wedding day. In some countries it is polite/respectful to bow to older people. In some countries it is OK to burp while eating your food. In some countries you take your shoes off before entering the house In some places they sit on the floor and eat

Example of Customs & Traditions Blowing out candles at birthday celebrations Not wearing white to a wedding, unless you are the bride Celebrating the bounty of the harvest at a festival Babies wearing white at christenings Rituals for new members of a fraternity or sorority Taking a gift when invited to someone’s house for dinner Throwing a baby shower for a mother-to-be Having bachelor or bachelorette parties before a wedding Having a bridal shower for a new bride Tip a waiter or waitress for good service Greetings like a nod, bow, smile, handshake or verbal greeting Removing shoes before entering a home

Government

Customs & Traditions Government Provide for the peoples common needs, keep order within society with rules and laws, and protect their society from outside threats. Autocracy Oligarchy Democracy 1 Person Makes ALL of the decisions. A Small Group Makes ALL of the decisions. The People make Decisions by Voting!

Economy

Bartering: Trading without using money Customs & Traditions Economy The system a country uses when they produce, sell or buy goods and services. Traditional People produce most of what they need to survive. Hunting, gathering, farming, herding cattle, make own clothes/tools. Bartering: Trading without using money

Cultural Diversity

Customs & Traditions Cultural Diversity Differences among people because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds, language, dress and traditions.