Basic Writing/Culture

Learning about culture gives you ...

• a competitive edge
• the cognition to be a better mentor
• a knowledge of other people's backgrounds
• a chance to focus on people as individuals
• information in a non-intimidated way
• understanding that even in a group that appears the same there can be differences

• ability to remove obstacles and barriers that block us from our full personal potential
• techniques for gaining insight
• a chance to be an advocate for fresh ideas
• the tools to make your school or workplace an environment of value
• an opportunity for new friendships

• a reason not to quickly judge others
• a purpose of cherishing your own culture
• an awareness that diversity is about differences and similarities

Definition of Culture

Culture is the patterns of learned and shared beliefs and behavior. This is the definition of culture according to Cultural Anthropology: Asking Questions about Humanity by Robert Welsch and Luis Vivanco. However, Anthropologists cannot seem to agree on one definition of culture because of how broad culture is.

Culture is taken for granted. The culture and environment you grow up in is part of you; culture isn’t made up of just the big things like religion, foods, holidays, art, and folklore it’s everything in-between as well.

Culture also consists of humor, manners, marriage, gender roles, money, values/morals, your rights as a person, gestures and non-verbal communication, personal behavior and appearance, ownership, health/ medicine, superstitions, and the ceremonies we conduct.

When Anthropologists talk about culture, there are four levels of culture they discuss.

• Enculturation

The process of learning the culture, rules and logic of a society, which begins with birth.

• Subculture

A subdivision in complex, diverse societies that shares some features with the larger society.

• Cultural Universals

These are generally learned behavior patterns that are shared by all of humanity.

• Familial Culture

Culture shared with your family.