1. Culture and Society

2. What is culture?
Culture consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. Through culture, people and groups define themselves, conform to society's shared values, and contribute to society.

3. The Importance of Culture: Copy this
Culture is essential for our individual survival and communication with others
We are not born with the information we need to survive
Culture is essential for the survival of societies
It establishes our laws and rules for interaction

4. Nature vs. Nuture Nature is our biological and genetic makeup
Nurture is derived from our social environment
We are not born knowing kindness or hatred
Humans do not have instincts but we do have reflexes
An instinct is biologically determined behaviour patterns common to all members of a species
A reflex is biologically determined involuntary response such as sneezing
Drives are biologically determined impulses common to all members of a species that satisfy needs such as food, water, safety, and shelter

5. Our ‘tool kit’ is divided into two parts
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

6. Material Culture
Consists of the physical or tangible creations that members of a society make, use, and share
Items begin as raw materials and transformed into usable items through technology
We use these items first for survival such as shelter
Beyond survival, we make use and share objects that are interesting and important to us

7. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

8. Nonmaterial Culture
Consists of the abstract or intangible human creations of society that influence people’s behaviour
Family Patterns
Values
Language
Rules of Behaviour
Beliefs
Political Systems

9. Nonmaterial Culture
Central component of nonmaterial culture is 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

10. Cultural Universals
All human beings face the same basic needs such as food, water, and shelter
Thus we engage in similar activities that contribute to our survival
Cultural universals are customs and practices that occur across societies
The universal categories created by anthropologist George Murdock are present in all cultures

11. Appearance such as bodily adornment and hairstyles
Cultural Universals
Appearance such as bodily adornment and hairstyles

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

13. Cultural Institutions
Social institution such as religion, law, and family

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

15. Cultural Universals
These general customs and practices may be present in all cultures in one form or another
Specific forms may vary and could be misinterpreted between cultures such as telling a joke

16. 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

17. 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