In anthropology, culture refers to the learned behaviors, beliefs, values, customs, symbols, and material objects that are shared by a group of people and passed down from generation to generation. It is a central concept in anthropology and is used to understand human societies and their variations.
Key Aspects of Culture in Anthropology:
- Learned & Shared – Culture is not biologically inherited; it is learned through socialization and shared among members of a society.
- Symbolic – Language, gestures, art, and rituals are key symbolic elements that help communicate cultural meanings.
- Adaptive & Dynamic – Culture evolves over time in response to environmental, social, and technological changes.
- Integrated & Holistic – Different aspects of culture (e.g., economy, religion, family structures) are interconnected and influence one another.
- Enculturation & Transmission – Culture is passed down through generations via teaching, observation, and participation.
Types of Culture:
- Material Culture – Physical objects such as tools, clothing, and architecture.
- Non-Material Culture – Beliefs, values, norms, language, and traditions.
Anthropological Perspectives on Culture:
- Cultural Relativism – The idea that a culture should be understood on its own terms rather than judged by the standards of another culture.
- Ethnocentrism – The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.
- Structuralism & Functionalism – Theories that explore how cultural elements function within a society.