Chapter 3 Section 2 Global Cultures

Culture Definition: the way of life of a group of people who share similar beliefs and customs Includes social groups, language, religion, history, daily life, arts, government, and economy

Social Groups Each of us belongs to many social groups Student or employee? Young or old? You have status within a group Ethnic group Definition: a group that shares a language, history, religion, and some physical traits

Language More than 2,000 languages are spoken around the world today A single language, however, may have may have different variations called dialects Definition: a local form of a language that may have a distinct vocabulary and pronunciation

Religion In many cultures, religious beliefs and practices help people answer basic questions about life’s meaning Religion Major Leader # of Followers Buddhism Siddhartha (the Buddha) 378.8 million Christianity Jesus Christ 2.1 billion Hinduism Unknown 860.1 million Islam Muhammad 1.3 billion Judaism Abraham 15.1 million

History History shapes how a culture views itself and the world Cultural holidays mark important events and enable people to celebrate their heritage

Daily Life Reflect your culture: Food Clothing Shelter Daily activities such as school

Arts Expressions of meaning; may tell stories Music Painting Sculpture Dance Literature

Government People need rules in order to live together without conflict Types: Democracy: power is held by people; leaders elected by people Dictatorship: a single leader rules by force; citizens have limited freedom Monarchy: government led by a king or queen; constitutional monarchies have elected legislatures that hold most power

Economy How are resources used? How is trade used? An economy’s success can be seen in people’s quality of life

Cultural Change Inventions and technology Cultural diffusion Improve quality of life, communication, efficiency, and trade Cultural diffusion Cultures influence other cultures through migration, technology, media, trade, conquests, etc. Definition: the process of spreading ideas, languages, or customs from one culture to another

Culture Regions Culture regions are groups of countries that share similar cultural traits United States and Canada Africa South of the Sahara Latin America South Asia Europe East Asia and Southeast Asia Russia Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and North Africa

Globalization Definition: the development of a worldwide culture with an interdependent economy Causes: advances in communications, trade, and technology Fear that globalization might wipe out some cultures or traditions