Chapter 4-1: “Culture” NOTES

The Big Idea Culture, a group’s shared practices and beliefs, differs from group to group and changes over time.

Main Idea 1: Culture is the set of beliefs, goals, and practices that a group of people share. Culture The set of beliefs, values, and practices that a group of people has in common. Includes many aspects of life, such as language and religion, that we may share with people around us Each is unique. Culture Traits An activity or behavior in which people often take part, such as language spoken or sports played. Can be shared by people around the world. Can change from place to place.

Main Idea 1: Culture is the set of beliefs, goals, and practices that a group of people share. Development of Culture Culture traits are often learned or passed down from one generation to the next. Within families as traditions, foods, or holiday customs. Laws and moral codes within societies Cultures develop as people learn new culture traits. Immigrants who move to a new country Other factors, such as history and environment, also affect how cultures develop

Main Idea 2: The world includes many different culture groups. A culture region is an area in which people have many shared culture traits, such as religious beliefs, language, or lifestyle. A single culture region can dominate an entire country. A single country may include more than one culture region within its borders. A culture region may stretch across country borders.

Main Idea 2: The world includes many different culture groups. Often, culture regions are based on ethnic groups - groups of people who share a common culture and ancestry. Cultural diversity is the state of having a variety of cultures in the same area. Creates an interesting mix of ideas, behaviors, and practices. Can sometimes lead to conflict.

Main Idea 3: New ideas and events lead to changes in culture. How Cultures Change Innovations - new ideas or ways of doing things - often bring about cultural changes. As societies come into contact with each other, cultures can change. How Ideas Spread The spread of culture traits from one region to another is called cultural diffusion. Occurs when people move from one place to another. Takes place as new ideas spread from place to place.