The Basics of Culture World Studies

What is culture? Culture is the ways of life shared by members of a society or part of society. Culture includes a set of learned beliefs, values, and behaviors. A person can be a part of many cultures or sub-cultures. Ex. We are all a part of an American culture, but within the American culture there are many sub- cultures…what are some of them? Gothic, African American, Southern, Hip-Hop, Surfer

Norms and Values Norms Rules that guide behavior Can be written (formal) or unwritten (informal). Example: Laws, giving up your seat for an old person. Values What does a society believe to be right, good, or desirable. Example: freedom, education, wealth

Elements (parts) of Culture Belief Systems (Christianity, ) Language (Spanish, Ebonics) Social Structures (family structure, class systems) Institutions (education, marriage, government ) Material Elements Food (sushi) Art (graffiti) Music (mariachi) Clothing (Kente cloth) Tools (cell phone, hoe) Symbols (flag)

How does culture change? Innovation- Something new is created to meet a need. Ex. The automobile. Diffusion- The spread of ideas from one culture to another. Ex. Tacos or sushi in the U.S.A.; Mc D’s in China. Acculturation- A culture changes because it accepts an idea or innovation. Ex. Traditional clothing is replaced by t-shirts and jeans.

Cultural Diffusion Mc D’s in IndiaMc D’s in China

Cultural Sensitivity Ethnocentrism- the belief that your culture/ beliefs are better than someone else’s. It is important not to judge other cultures by our standards. Just because another culture eats something that we would not or listens to music that we don’t does not make them any more or less civilized. Try to find similarities between cultures and learn to appreciate the differences.