Culture What is it?

5 Components of Culture Language Religion Social Structure Area Ability to Change

Language Cornerstone People use it to communicate Reflects a culture’s identity People who speak the same language generally share a culture

Religion or Set of Beliefs Helps people answer the basic questions about the meaning and purpose of life Supports values Sets a system of right and wrong Monotheism – worshiping a single god Polytheism – worshiping many gods

Social Structure Organization of a large group into smaller groups Makes things run smoother and meets the basic needs of the culture Examples: government, education, economy, ect.

Area Where a group lives How they use the resources of an area Can cause conflict

Ability to Change Diffusion: spread of cultural traits from one group to another Acculturation: process of adopting traits Discoveries, inventions, technology can create change Necessary for survival and growth