What is culture
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Understanding Culture: Definitions and Perspectives
Defining Culture: A Complex Whole
The concept of culture is multifaceted and has been defined in various ways by different scholars. One of the most frequently cited definitions is by Edward B. Tylor, who described culture as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society". This definition underscores the comprehensive nature of culture, encompassing a wide array of human activities and social constructs.
Historical and Sociological Perspectives on Culture
Anthropologists Kroeber and Kluckhohn identified 164 definitions of culture in 1952, highlighting the term's complexity and the diverse perspectives on its meaning. Historically, culture has been the domain of the humanities and social sciences, where it has been studied through the lens of language, arts, cuisine, and social habits. Sociologists often focus on culture as an organized body of conventional understandings that persist through tradition and characterize human groups.
Culture as a Symbolic System
Culture is not merely a collection of artifacts or behaviors but a symbolic system that shapes human action. It provides a "tool kit" of habits, skills, and styles from which people construct strategies of action. This perspective emphasizes that culture influences action by offering resources for diverse lines of action, rather than dictating specific behaviors or values.
The Role of Culture in Human Development
Culture is integral to human development, encompassing both material and spiritual wealth created by societies. It includes art, science, and spiritual systems, reflecting a certain level of historical development and human creative power. This broad view of culture highlights its role in shaping human activities and the importance of these activities in defining human life.
Emic and Etic Approaches to Studying Culture
The study of culture can be approached from both emic and etic perspectives. Emic approaches focus on understanding culture from within, using the perspective of the culture being studied. This constructivist paradigm asserts that culture can only be validly investigated from its own viewpoint. In contrast, etic approaches adopt an outside view, often using surveys and models to compare cultures across different contexts.
Culture in Action: Symbols and Strategies
Culture shapes human action not by providing ultimate values but by influencing the repertoire of habits and skills available to individuals. During settled cultural periods, culture independently influences action by providing resources for diverse strategies. In unsettled periods, explicit ideologies govern action, but structural opportunities determine which ideologies prevail. This dynamic view of culture offers a nuanced understanding of its causal role in shaping human behavior.
Conclusion
Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of human activities and social constructs. It is both a symbolic system that shapes human action and a reflection of historical development and creative power. Understanding culture requires considering various perspectives and approaches, from the emic and etic paradigms to the symbolic and material dimensions of human life. By exploring these diverse definitions and perspectives, we gain a deeper appreciation of the rich and intricate nature of culture.
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