BASIC CONCEPTS - Intro To Culture

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BASIC CONCEPTS – CULTURE

Definition-
• Culture is defined as the sum of all the ways of living
built up by a group of human beings that are transmitted from one
generation to another. It includes shared attitudes, values, goals,
and practices. Culture is a complex whole that consists of five
basic characteristics: language, beliefs and values, customs and
traditions, rituals and ceremonies, and social organizations.
• Human culture arises from the interaction of many
cultures, with each contributing its own unique influences. All
these elements work together to create a distinct cultural
environment that defines how people live their lives in any given
society.

Characteristics of Culture-
• Culture is abstract: Customs are often rooted in
tradition and are passed down through generations. They provide a
sense of continuity and stability within a society by maintaining
consistent practices and behaviors over time.
• Language: The way people communicate, including the
words they use and how they use them, can tell us a lot about their
culture.
• Religion: Beliefs and practices related to spirituality and
worship shape many aspects of culture, influencing rituals,
holidays, and moral values.
• Customs: These are the everyday practices and rituals,
from how people greet each other to how they celebrate special
occasions.
• Beliefs: The shared ideas and values that people hold
about the world, such as notions of right and wrong, family roles,
or what is considered important.
• Culture is Learned Behavior: Culture isn’t something
we’re born with; it’s something we acquire through interaction. We
pick up cultural norms, values, and practices from those around us,
such as our family, friends, and community. Schools and religious
organizations also play a role in teaching us about our culture by
imparting knowledge, values, and traditions. For example, children
learn to say “please” and “thank you” through their interactions
with their parents and teachers, which reflects the cultural value
placed on politeness.
• Culture is Shared by the Members of Society:
Culture isn’t experienced in isolation, it’s a collective
phenomenon. It binds individuals together by creating a common
set of beliefs, values, and practices. When people within a society
share similar cultural norms, they understand and relate to each
other in predictable ways. For instance, in many cultures,
celebrating holidays like Christmas Diwali involves shared
practices and values, such as family gatherings and specific rituals,
which strengthen community bonds and reinforce cultural identity.
• Culture is Symbolic: Culture relies heavily on symbols
—things that represent larger ideas or values. These symbols can
convey complex meanings that go beyond their literal
interpretation. For example, a national flag is more than just fabric;
it symbolizes national pride, unity, and history. Similarly, religious
symbols like the cross in Christianity represent faith, spirituality,
and a community’s shared beliefs, encapsulating important aspects
of religious identity.
• Culture is Integrated: Cultures are not just a collection
of unrelated parts; instead, all their elements are interconnected
and influence each other. This means that different aspects of
culture work together to form a cohesive whole.
• Culture is Adaptive: Cultures are not static; they
evolve and adapt over time to meet new challenges and changing
circumstances. This adaptability helps cultures stay relevant and
continue to thrive in a dynamic world. Ex: As technology
advances, cultures adapt by integrating new tools and practices.
For instance, the widespread use of the internet has transformed
communication, business practices, and social interactions in many
cultures

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