CULTURE
Culture refers to the way of life of people in a society. It includes their
beliefs, values, traditions, customs, language, art, morals, law, religion,
and all other capabilities and habits acquired by individuals as members
of society. Culture is not biological but socially learned and transmitted
from one generation to another. It provides the framework for human
behavior, guiding people on how to act, think, and interact in society. It is
both material (tools, technology, buildings, clothes) and non-material
(ideas, norms, values, beliefs). Culture is universal, as every society has it,
but it varies from one group to another, making it diverse.
DEFINITIONS
E.B. Tylor – Culture is a complex whole including knowledge, belief,
art, morals, law, and customs acquired by man as a member of
society.
MacIver and Page – Culture is the expression of our nature in ways
of living, social habits, religion, and enjoyment.
Malinowski – Culture is the handwork of man and the medium
through which he achieves his ends.
Robert Bierstedt – Culture is everything we think, do, and possess as
members of society.
Characteristics
1. Culture is learnt
Culture is not inherited by birth like biological traits.
It is something people learn through social life and interaction.
Culture is often described as “learned ways of behavior”.
Some actions are natural/physiological (not cultural), such as
blinking, sleeping, or reflex actions.
Cultural behaviors are taught and learned, such as shaking hands,
saying "namaskar" or "thanks", wearing clothes, combing hair, or
cooking food.
Other cultural practices include eating habits, reading, driving,
worshipping, singing, and role-playing in society.
In short, culture is acquired by living in society, not something
we are born with.
2. Culture is Social
Culture does not exist in isolation.
It is not an individual phenomenon, but a product of society.
Culture develops through social interactions among people.
It is shared by the members of society, not something private.
A person cannot acquire culture without associating with other
human beings.
Human qualities and behavior develop only in a social
environment.
If someone is deprived of interaction with others, they also lose the
opportunity to develop human qualities fully.
3. Culture is Shared
Culture is not something an individual alone can possess.
It is always shared by a group or society.
Examples: customs, traditions, beliefs, ideas, values, and morals are
shared by many people.
Contributions of great thinkers, scientists, artists, and philosophers
(like Arya Bhatta, Einstein, Kalidasa, Swami Vivekananda, Ravi
Verma, etc.) are all shared cultural heritage of society.
Sociologist Robert Bierstedt says: “Culture is something adopted,
used, believed, practiced, or possessed by more than one person.”
Culture depends on group life for its existence—if there is no
society, culture cannot survive.
4. Culture is Transmissive
Culture can be passed on from one generation to the next.
Parents pass their cultural traits, values, and traditions to their
children, and children pass them further.
Culture is not transferred through genes, but mainly through
language.
Language (reading, writing, speaking) is the main vehicle of
culture because it helps the present generation understand the
knowledge and achievements of earlier generations.
Language itself is also a part of culture. Once we learn a
language, it opens the door to the whole cultural world.
Culture can be transmitted in two ways:
o By imitation (copying elders, customs, habits).
o By instruction (through teaching, education, guidance).
5. Culture is Continuous and Cumulative
Culture never stops; it is a continuous process that grows with
time.
It includes the achievements of the past and the present, and
also provides a base for future progress.
Culture is like a growing whole—it keeps adding new elements
while preserving old ones.
It can be seen as a stream flowing across generations, passing
knowledge, values, and practices from one age to another.
Sociologists describe culture as:
o “The social heritage” of mankind (Linton).
o “The memory of the human race” (Robert Bierstedt).
Without this accumulated culture, society would lose its identity,
knowledge, and direction.
6. Culture is Consistent and Integrated
Culture develops in a consistent manner, meaning it follows
patterns and stability over time.
The different parts of culture are not separate; they are
interconnected and work together.
For example, the value system of a society is closely linked with its
morality, religion, customs, traditions, and beliefs.
A change in one part of culture often affects other parts because
they are integrated.
This interconnected nature makes culture a unified whole, not just
a collection of random elements.
7. Culture is Dynamic and Adaptive
Culture is not static – it does not remain the same forever.
It is stable but always changing slowly.
Change and growth are natural parts of culture. Example:
Present Indian culture is very different from the culture of Vedic
times, showing growth and change.
That is why culture is called dynamic (always moving and
developing).
Culture is also adaptive – it adjusts to changes in the physical and
social environment.
It helps humans to respond and survive in changing conditions
(like houses protect us from storms, culture protects and guides us
in life).
Without culture, human survival would be very difficult.
8. Culture is Gratifying
Culture helps in the satisfaction of human needs and desires.
These needs may be:
o Biological → food, shelter, clothing.
o Social → status, name, fame, money, relationships, etc.
Culture provides the opportunities and the right means to fulfill
these needs.
All human activities are guided by cultural ways—for example, how
we eat, dress, or gain respect in society.
In short, culture is the process through which human beings
satisfy their wants.
9. Culture varies from society to society
Every society has its own unique culture.
Cultures are not uniform—they differ widely from place to place.
Elements like customs, traditions, morals, values, beliefs,
practices, philosophies, institutions are not the same
everywhere.
Examples: Ways of eating, speaking, greeting, dressing,
entertaining, and living differ from one society to another.
Culture also changes over time; it is never constant or
unchangeable.
Example: If Manu (ancient law-giver of India) returned today, he
would be surprised to see the vast changes in Indian culture.
10. Culture is Superorganic and Ideational
Herbert Spencer called culture “superorganic”, meaning it is neither
organic (biological) nor inorganic (material), but exists above both.
Culture gives social meaning to physical objects and human actions,
beyond their biological or physical properties.
Example: A national flag is not just cloth; it symbolizes a nation.
Similarly, roles like priest, teacher, soldier, or doctor are not just
biological beings but carry social meanings and statuses through
culture.
Culture is also ideational – every society regards its culture as an
ideal and sees it as intrinsically valuable.
People feel proud of their cultural heritage, considering it as a
guiding force and an end in itself.
COMPONENTS
Here’s the explanation of “Culture Contents – Material and Non-
Material Culture” from your image:
Every society has its own culture, and cultures differ from one
society to another.
While there is cultural diversity across societies (different
customs, traditions, occupations, rituals), there are also cultural
similarities (basic needs, ceremonies, shared values).
Culture consists of material and non-material components, often
referred to as the “contents of culture.
1. Material Culture
Refers to man-made physical objects created and used by human
beings.
Examples: tools, implements, houses, furniture, vehicles, machines,
bridges, roads, books, TVs, radios, etc.
It includes all physical objects that reflect human achievement and
development.
Also includes large institutions and systems like banks, parliaments,
insurance schemes, currency, etc.
Material culture = civilisation (external and tangible aspects).
2. Non-Material Culture
Refers to the intangible aspects of culture.
Includes values, beliefs, morals, traditions, customs, language,
attitudes, knowledge, and ideas.
It shapes people’s behavior, social norms, and ways of life.
Example: religious beliefs, moral values, respect for elders, honesty,
rituals, and social roles.
Non-material culture = culture proper (internal and intangible
aspects).
