This concept refers to the interconnectedness of all systems making up CULTURE

Ecological – referring to ecology, nature

Socio/Economic – refers to society, the economy, social class

Political – referring to politics, government, laws, legislation, constitution, bills

Theological – referring to the church, religious beliefs, sects/cults, religious movements

Physical – physical aspects of culture – soil, water, air vegetation, cityscape, manmade

objects

Ethical – the moral aspect of culture. The idea of right & wrong.

Systems Theory – where no part can work on its own – systems are comprised of people as well as things. One part may positively or negatively disrupt or influence other aspects

a influences b

b influences c

c influences a

a influences c

c influences b

b influences a

a

bc

Systems are interdependent – each concept/facet within culture performs an intended function, but work together to make the entire system (culture) function properly

A system cannot function if any of the individual parts act alone (culture cannot be looked at, studied, critiqued by looking solely at one aspect – must look at them all and how they work together

To study contemporary culture as a system depends on all its elements working interactively and continuously within a network on interconnectedness

Each aspect is complex, highly differentiated yet depend on all others to work well

We live in an interconnected world and must realize that the parts of a system work together and are dependent upon the success of each component for the good of the whole

With the idea of culture – personal identity, community identity, national identity are rooted in place (physical)

Places/cultures changes depending on economy, complexity of politics

The network of relationships are important when studying culture

Culture is very complex – involves languages, beliefs, institutions, technologies

Beliefs include religious, ideals, attitudes, values, customs, world view

Institutions shape the way people organize the world around them – laws

Culture changes as a result of a variety of human processes

Choose a system and identify which aspects are interdependent:

Watch the video GLOBAL ISSUES: Genocide

Create a definition for Genocide

Identify 3 systems that have broken down to allow for genocide to take place

Genocide is the deliberate destruction, in whole or in part, by a government or its agents, of a racial, sexual, religious, tribal or political minority.

It can involve not only mass murder, but also starvation, forced deportation, and political, economic and biological subjugation.

Genocide involves three major components: ideology, technology, and bureaucracy/organization.