Aspects of Culture

Turn to page 26 in your passport You will draw in 5 circle maps. I will show you my page 26 and 27. Make yours look like mine. The first two on page 26 should say culture and customs. The three on page 27 should be roles, institutions, and perception. After each slide you and your group will add to your circle map.

What is culture? Refers to a people’s way of life Includes their language, literature, music, and art. Includes their beliefs about the world and religion Also includes technology and their material objects.

What are customs? Things people usually do, like how they dress, what they eat, and how they celebrate holidays, and the great turning points in life like birth, coming of age, marriage, parenthood, and death.

What are roles? Based on the rules for proper behavior of individuals in particular positions and situations. For example, a mother is expected to behave a certain way towards her children. Once a role in society is learned it becomes part of their culture.

What is an institution? Organization developed by society to make social roles clear and to take care of social needs. Families – take care of family members and bring up the young Schools – teach the young the values of society and prepare them for adulthood. Governments – protect us from outsiders, promote social cooperation, and regulate behavior. Other institutions are the military, hospitals, and churches.

What is perception? How people from perceive or view those from other cultures. A person from a very traditional culture might have difficulty understanding a person from a more modern culture. Sometimes cultural perceptions can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings.