The Meaning of Culture

• http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/09/04/weekinreview/20100905_gilbertson.html?ref=weekinreview

Part 1: The Basics

What is Culture?• DEFINITION: all

shared products of human groups, including physical objects and beliefs, values and behaviors

• Determines how we view the world

• Sociological perspective of culture

• Culture & human intelligence

• Culture v. Society

What is Culture?

• Material Culture:• Physical objects,

resources & spaces

• Nonmaterial Culture:• Abstract human ideas (beliefs,

values, rules, norms, morals, language, institutions)

What is Culture?

• Dynamic not static• Culture Trait: an individual tool,

act or belief that is related to a particular situation or need

• Culture Complex: a cluster of interrelated traits

• Culture Pattern: combination of a number of culture complexes into an interrelated whole

Examining Culture

American Athletics

pass

football Tackle

goal refs

shoulder pads

signals

whistle

penalties

punt

racketnet lob

tennis ball

court

tennis skirt

partnerserve

ace

bat

slide

baseball

hot dogs

diamond

steal

umpires

pitch

bases

glove

yards

basket

ball

Final Four

whistle

foul

bench

3 pointer

shooting

buzzer

dribble

ballshin pads

goalred card

running

forwardkeeper

header

free kick

• Media• Music• Education• Food• Family• Religion• Technology

Complete Your Own Culture Pattern