In-Depth Notes on Culture and Theories of Culture

Definition of Culture

  • Culture: The way of living, customs, and beliefs of a group of people during a specific period of time.
  • Considered a human trait that distinguishes us from animals.
  • Culture is transmitted from generation to generation via beliefs and behaviors.

American vs Canadian Culture

  • Discussion prompts:
    • Define American culture.
    • Define Canadian culture.

Public Perceptions of Canadian Culture

  • Discussion points:
    • How are opinions of Canadians formed?
    • Examples of cultural biases.
    • Are the responses in a referenced video a realistic description of Canada?

The Culture Wheel

  • Major components of culture include:
    • Values
    • Language
    • Food & Drink
    • The Arts
    • Tools & Objects
    • Traditions & Rituals
    • Techniques & Skills

Cultural Iceberg

  • Coined by Edward T. Hall (1976).
  • Analogy:
    • Only 10% of culture visible (like the tip of an iceberg).
    • 90% hidden below the surface (values, beliefs).
    • Important to understand both visible and hidden aspects of culture.

Characteristics of Culture

  1. Learned: Not inherited; requires participation to grasp.
  2. Shared: Social interactions transmit beliefs and values within a society.
  3. Nature defines culture: Environment influences clothing, food, and celebrations.
  4. Influences perception: Culture shapes how we see the world based on upbringing and observations.
  5. Patterns of conformity: Established guidelines that promote conformity within a culture.

Ethnocentrism

  • Definition: Evaluating other cultures by the standards of one's own culture.
  • Consequences: May lead to intolerance, discrimination, social problems, and more severe conflicts.

Cultural Relativism

  • Promotes understanding beliefs in the context of one's own culture.
  • Avoids ethnocentrism, valuing different cultures equally and avoiding comparisons.

Theories of Culture

  • Cultural Functionalism: Every aspect of culture aids individuals' needs.
    • Example: Kayan Lahwi women wearing neck rings for economic and aesthetic functions.
  • Cultural Materialism: Materials and environmental conditions shape cultural development.
    • Example: Climate influences clothing and food.

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

  • Discussion on understanding the difference between these two concepts:
    • Appropriation: Unacknowledged use of elements from another culture.
    • Appreciation: Respectful acknowledgment and honoring of another culture.

Cultural Values

  • Individualistic Approach:

    • Promotes independence, self-expression, and personal choice.
    • Found in cultures like Canada, the USA.

  • Collectivist Approach:

    • Focus on group success, communal norms, and shared ownership.
    • Exemplified in cultures such as China and India.

Transmission of Cultural Values

  • Assimilation: Absorption of minority into a dominant culture.
  • Acculturation: Minority adopts elements of dominant culture, retaining unique aspects.
  • Cultural Diffusion: Spread of cultural influence between groups.
  • Multiculturalism: Recognition and protection of diverse cultural identities within society.

Reflection and Tasks

  • Reflect on how cultural values influence personality.
  • Task: Write a paragraph or video about the influence of culture on personality, including individualistic or collectivistic perspectives.