1. Chapter 3 Section 2
Global Cultures

2. Culture
Definition: the way of life of a group of people who share similar beliefs and customs
Includes social groups, language, religion, history, daily life, arts, government, and economy

3. Social Groups Each of us belongs to many social groups
Student or employee?
Young or old?
You have status within a group
Ethnic group
Definition: a group that shares a language, history, religion, and some physical traits

4. Language More than 2,000 languages are spoken around the world today
A single language, however, may have may have different variations called dialects
Definition: a local form of a language that may have a distinct vocabulary and pronunciation

5. Religion
In many cultures, religious beliefs and practices help people answer basic questions about life’s meaning
Religion
Major Leader
# of Followers
Buddhism
Siddhartha
(the Buddha)
378.8 million
Christianity
Jesus Christ
2.1 billion
Hinduism
Unknown
860.1 million
Islam
Muhammad
1.3 billion
Judaism
Abraham
15.1 million

6. History History shapes how a culture views itself and the world
Cultural holidays mark important events and enable people to celebrate their heritage

7. Daily Life Reflect your culture: Food Clothing Shelter
Daily activities such as school

8. Arts Expressions of meaning; may tell stories Music Painting Sculpture
Dance
Literature

9. Government
People need rules in order to live together without conflict
Types:
Democracy: power is held by people; leaders elected by people
Dictatorship: a single leader rules by force; citizens have limited freedom
Monarchy: government led by a king or queen; constitutional monarchies have elected legislatures that hold most power

10. Economy How are resources used? How is trade used?
An economy’s success can be seen in people’s quality of life

11. Cultural Change Inventions and technology Cultural diffusion
Improve quality of life, communication, efficiency, and trade
Cultural diffusion
Cultures influence other cultures through migration, technology, media, trade, conquests, etc.
Definition: the process of spreading ideas, languages, or customs from one culture to another

12. Culture Regions
Culture regions are groups of countries that share similar cultural traits
United States and Canada
Africa South of the Sahara
Latin America
South Asia
Europe
East Asia and Southeast Asia
Russia
Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica
Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and North Africa

13. Globalization
Definition: the development of a worldwide culture with an interdependent economy
Causes: advances in communications, trade, and technology
Fear that globalization might wipe out some cultures or traditions