Concept & Meaning of Culture

Question 1

What is the definition of culture?

Answer 1

Culture is the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the material objects that together form a people’s way of life. Culture includes what we think, how we act, and what we own. Culture is both our link to the past and our guide to the future. (John Macionis, 2012)

Question 2

What is the role of culture and how does it impact humans?

Answer 2

1. Culture provides behavioural patterns
2. Culture provides personality
   Culture can be differentiated from both universal human nature and unique individual personality. Culture is learned, not inherited. It is derived from one’s social environment, not from one’s genes.

Culture exercises a great influence on the development of personality. No child can get human qualities in the absence of a cultural environment. Culture prepares man for group life and provides him the design of living.

Cultural psychologists have noted that some aspects of personality differ across cultural groups. For example, Americans and Asians have slightly different conceptions of self.

3. Culture is ‘designs for living’ and refers to ways of life