Global Culture

CultureMuch more than just what makes yogurt curdleWhat is Culture?A societys system of values & customs that are its design for living Developed through social interaction with family & others in ones societyValues: ideas about good & bad, right & wrong; standards by which members of a culture judge their personal actions & those of others Customs: social norms & rules; guide appropriate behavior for specific situationsEthnocentrism: the belief in the superiority of one's own culture; a tendency to view alien cultures from the perspective of one's own2CultureCulture Regions: areas that share similar culture elements.

Type of CultureMaterialPhysical & TangibleTools, clothes, goods, crops, architecture, art, etc. Non-MaterialNon-physical, intangiblesBeliefs, values, morals, religion, language, music, dance, etc.Does Material Culture contain elements of Non-material Culture?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

Material or Non-Material?

The LandThe physical landscape is the stage upon which culture develops.Influences the other elements of culture.

ReligionCreates a sense of identity & belonging.Often the basis of values.Affects patterns of daily life.Can be a source of conflict.

Family & GenderElders are highly respected in some culturesFamily ties- immediate & extendedDifferent gender roles & viewsIndividualism vs Collectivism

Social GroupsSocials ClassesRanked by ancestry, wealth, education, etc.Ethnic groupsShare a common language, history, & place of origin.Does the school have any social groups within it?

Economic Activities & TechnologyHow a culture uses its resources to meet the basic needs of society.Tools, sources of food, modes of travel & communication, etc.Changes the look of the cultural landscape.

LanguageActs as a strong unifying force.Often the corner stone of a cultures identity.Inuit: at least 24 words for snowSpoken & body language. A smile is universalGestures

Non-Verbal GesturesWhat does this mean to you?

Non-Verbal GesturesItaly- What do you mean?

Non-Verbal GesturesGreece- Thats just perfect.

Non-Verbal GesturesEgypt- Be patient.

Culture HearthsThe places where important ideas begin & from where they spread to other cultures. The U.S. as a Culture Hearth?

Cultural DiffusionThe spreading of new skills & knowledge from one culture to another.Can happen through trade, migration, & war.

AcculturationThe process of adapting a new cultural trait from another culture.The cultural trait is changed to reflect the values of that culture.