CULTURE

The knowledge, language, values, customs, & material objects that are passed from person to person and from generation to generation in a human group or society

2 components of culture

material culture = physical creations that members of the society make, use, and share

nonmaterial culture = abstract creations of society that influence people’s behaviour

Culture

Material• Things that are

created by humans• Buildings• Autos• Computers

Non-material• Behaviours• Symbols• Attitudes• Values of the culture

Developing Cultures

• Ability to learn- enables to make choices.

• Ability to communicate- language, flags and music.

• Ability to shape the environment - Grasp and manipulate objects.

Shaping Culture

• Climate, resources, and geography limit or provide opportunities for food, clothing and physical well being.

• Isolation or integration can help or hinder acquiring from other countries.

• Discoveries and inventions can provide advantages.

• Cultural goals and values can direct efforts and shape cultural institutions.

SYMBOLS

• Anything that meaningfully and non-verbally represents something else

• For example, for most Canadians, a Nazi swastika represents hate

VALUES

A collective idea about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and desirable or undesirable in a particular culture

An example of a core Canadian value is tolerance

NORMS

• Established rules of behaviour or standards of conduct

• Norms include the following:

FOLKWAYS

• Informal norms or everyday manners that may be violated without serious consequences in a particular culture

• In Canada, for example, folkways include using underarm deodorant

MORES

• Strongly held norms that reflect values and morals and may not be violated without serious consequences in a particular culture

• Mores in Canadian society include taboos or intolerance of incest

LAWS

• Formal norms created and enforced by a governing body whose violation results in penalties

• In Canada, for example, drivers are required to follow posted speed limits

GROUP ACTIVITY

• Brainstorm a list of items that you think are the most valuable or praiseworthy aspects of Canada, its people, and its culture at present.

• One group member should write down all suggestions; do not discuss or argue about the item.

• An “item” can be anything—perhaps an object (the flag), something living (an animal or person), an idea (peace), or a mixture of any of these.

Activity Continued…

• When you have a long list, decide which ten items you as a group would select to store in a time capsule, to be opened in 50 years by a student of your age.

• The items you select should be those that you think this young person would be most grateful were preserved and passed on.

• Be prepared to justify the reasoning behind your choices.