What is culture

What is Culture? Culture is a people’s shared way of thinking and acting It may also be defined as “a way of life”

What does culture look like? A people’s culture includes their languages, knowledge and beliefs, laws and moral values, customs and traditions, art and music – and all other aspects that have been developed socially

What is Culture? People take their own culture for granted and may not realize how it affects their thinking and behaviour

Cultural Baggage Since humans cannot rely on instincts for survival, culture is a ‘tool kit’ for survival Our ‘tool kit’ is divided into two parts

Material Culture Begin as raw material, transformed into usable items made first for survival, such as shelter Beyond survival, we make use and share objects that are interesting and important to us

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Nonmaterial Culture Abstract or intangible human creations of society that influence people’s behaviour Language Beliefs Values Rules of Behaviour Family Patterns Political Systems

Language A systematic way of relating meanings with the sounds made by the human voice. People can use language to talk about anything they imagine, including things that are impossible and events that have not yet taken place.

Language People can use language freely to think of new ideas and to express them in new ways, including making up new words. People can use language appropriately in situations they have not encountered before.

Beliefs Beliefs are the mental acceptance or conviction that certain things are real or true May be based on faith, tradition, experience, scientific research, or a combination of these We also have beliefs in our material culture

Cultural Universals Appearance such as bodily adornment and hairstyles

Cultural Universals Activities such as sports, games, dancing, and jokes Q. Why are fish so smart? A. They always go around in schools.

Cultural Institutions Social institutions such as religion, law, and family

Cultural Universals Customary practices such as cooking, folklore, gift giving, and hospitality

Cultural Universals - Pros Considered useful because they ensure a smooth and continual operation of society Society must satisfy its basic needs and degree of safety in order to survive Children and other new members of society must be taught the ways of the group Society must settle disputes between its members

Cultural Universals - Cons May not be the result of functional necessity for a society The practices of one society may be imposed over members of another A conquering nation may use its power to impose its behaviours and beliefs on those defeated Assimilation and conformity of indigenous peoples by those who hold economic, political, and religious power