Culture

The ways of thinking, ways of acting, and material objects that form a people’s way of life.

Anything that carries meaning within a particular culture.

Which is not a symbol?

• gestures

• signs

• words

• examples

• objects

 The system of symbols that allows people to communicate with each other.  

______ is central to culture. It’s how we:

• Communicate values, beliefs, history.

• Express our reactions to being alive!

• Pass culture from gen. to gen.

Culturally defined standards defining what is right, desirable, and good. Serve as broad guidelines for social living.

Rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members.

• Norms that are guided by standards of ethics within a culture. Ex: honesty, respect for parents, respect of private property. Think: right vs. wrong

• Norms for routine or casual interaction. Think: right vs. rude. Ex: Shaking hands, appropriate dress, chewing w/ mouth closed, etc.

• Physical human creations (things you can touch) central to culture. Ex: chopsticks in China, hockey sticks in Canada, hijabs in Afghanistan.