Why is culture Important?
Humans are animals
Unlike other species, we attain our needs through culture.
Culture is..
Humans primary adaptive tool
We change our environment to suit us rather than biologically adapting to them
Culture converts biological needs into practices, beliefs and customs
Defining cultures single biggest debate in anthropology
Characteristics of Culture
Culture is learned - via enculturation
Enculturation - The process by which you learn your culture
Culture is shared - makes culture predictable
Culture is integrated - all components come together to function as a whole
AIM - American Indian Movement *
Culture is Abstract/Symbolic
Culture is Dynamic
Sharing = Predictable
Dynamic = Flexible
Cultural Continuum
When the Circle Breaks….
If cultural continuum is broken, whole cultures can become extinct
Globalization
Westernization
Types of Cultural Traits
Universals - Found in every culture
Generalities - Found in several societies ------> Independent invention of similar responses to similar environments (biological and cultural)
Particularities - Unique to a few societies -------> Partly fueled by cultural isolation
Polyandry - on woman, multiple men. Most often one woman will marry a set of brothers *
Where do Cultural Traits Come From?
Diffusion
Practice or belief transmitted from one society to anther
Direct of Indirect
Forced
Acculturation
Ongoing exchange between groups through firsthand contact
Invention
Forced Diffusion
British Empire ( late 1500s-1947)
Imposed British form of government, legal and economic system
Native populations forced to conform to British society
Acculturation: Day of the Dead
Combination of Catholic worship and indigenous beliefs
Celebrate life, honor dead
Offerings given at grave sites.
Invention
Two Types:
Unconscious Invention
Intentional Invention