1. Global Cultures

2. Elements of Culture
Culture=the way of life of a group of people who share similar beliefs and customs
Language
Through language people communicate information and experiences
Pass on cultural values and traditions
Within a culture, there are language differences
dialect= a local form of a language
Different pronunciations
Language families= large groups of languages having similar roots
Ex. Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French)

4. Elements of Culture Religion
Religious beliefs vary significantly around the world
Religious differences have caused many conflicts
It enables people to find a sense of identity.
Gives people moral values
Celebrate holidays and festivals
Religious symbols and stories have shaped cultural expression
Painting, architecture, music, etc.

6. Elements of Culture Social Groups
Social systems develop to help members of a culture to meet basic needs
Social classes- groups of people ranked based on ancestry, wealth, education, etc.
Ethnic group- made up of people who share a common language, history, place of origin, or a combination of these
Government and Economy
Governments maintain order, protect citizens from outside forces, and supplies other services to its people
Organized by levels of power (local, regional, national)
By type of authority (autocracy, oligarchy, and democracy)
Economic activities= how a culture utilizes resources to meet human needs
Analyze the ways people produce, obtain, use and sell goods and services

7. Cultural Change Agricultural Revolution
Cultural diffusion= the process of spreading new knowledge from one culture to another
Major factor in cultural development
Early humans were nomads, but as the earth warmed (10,000 years ago) they began settling in hilly areas and river valleys
Became farmers
Shift from hunting and gathering to food producing is known as the Agricultural Revolution
Culture hearths= early centers of civilization whose ideas and practices spread to surrounding areas
Ex. Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, China, and Mexico
All emerged from farming settlements in areas with a mild climate, fertile land, and a major source of water

9. Cultural Change Surplus food led to the rise of cities
Less need for farmers, so they came up with new ways to make a living
Created new technologies (artisans)
Traded goods (merchants)
Needed a gov’t to organize their newly complex social system
Cultural contact promoted cultural change, as well.
Through trade, travel, or conquest
Some mass migrations were forced (African slaves)
Others were to escape persecution, famine, or to find political freedom
Migrants carry their culture with them
Ideas and practices blend in with the culture already present

10. Cultural Change Industrial and Information Revolutions
Industrial Revolution
In the 18th and 19th Centuries, countries began to industrialize
Produced goods quickly and easily=change in economy
Led to social changes, as people left farms for jobs in cities
Information Revolution
Computers can store huge amounts of info and instantly send it all over the world
Links cultures of the world