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What is Cultuer? - Constructing a Personal Definition Based on Class Discussions, Readings, and Films

As discussed in class, the term "culture" has multiple conceptualizations and definitions that aim to communicate different aspects of what culture encompasses. These include views of culture as learned behavior, as a set of shared beliefs and practices, and as a structural system within societies. In this paper, I will explore the various ways culture has been defined, provide a dictionary definition, and then develop my own comprehensive understanding supported by examples from readings, films, and class discussions. Additionally, I will examine how my definition illuminates the functioning of culture in the real world, drawing from personal experiences, family, friends, and news accounts.

Dictionary Definition of Culture

The dictionary generally defines culture as the "the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively" or more broadly, as "the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group" (Oxford Dictionary, 2020). This definition highlights the tangible, observable aspects of culture, such as language, art, and social practices, but does not fully capture the dynamic, learned, and interpretive nature of culture as discussed in academic contexts.

Exploring Different Conceptualizations of Culture

Culture as Learned Behavior

One predominant view presents culture as learned behavior. This perspective emphasizes that individuals acquire the customs, language, norms, and values of their society primarily through socialization processes, such as family upbringing, education, and media exposure (Hofstede, 2001). For example, manners, speech patterns, and religious practices are learned behaviors that help individuals navigate their social environment. The film "The Gods Must Be Crazy" illustrates how cultural norms influence behavior and perceptions, showcasing how different groups interpret the world through their cultural lens.

Culture as Shared Beliefs and Practices

Another conceptualization considers culture as a shared system of beliefs, rituals, and practices that create a sense of community and identity. Clifford Geertz (1973) described culture as a "web of significance" woven by people through symbols and rituals that give life meaning. An example discussed in class was the celebration of national holidays which reinforce shared identity and collective memory. In films such as "The Kite Runner," cultural practices shape individual identities and reinforce societal bonds, illustrating how shared beliefs operate in everyday life.

Culture as a Structural System

Some scholars view culture as a structural system embedded within institutions such as law, education, and economic systems. Pierre Bourdieu (1984) introduced the idea of "cultural capital," referring to non-economic assets like knowledge, education, and aesthetic preferences that influence social mobility. This perspective emphasizes how culture influences the organization of social life and perpetuates inequalities. For instance, the educational disparities seen in various countries demonstrate how cultural capital impacts opportunities and social stratification.

My Personal Definition of Culture

Building from these perspectives, I define culture as a dynamic, learned system of shared symbols, practices, and values that shape individuals’ identities, behaviors, and perceptions of the world. Culture is both a product of social learning and a structural framework that influences social interactions and institutional functioning. It is continually evolving as individuals and communities adapt to changing circumstances, incorporating new ideas and practices while maintaining core traditions.

How Culture Operates in the Real World

Applying my definition to real-world contexts reveals the importance of understanding cultural dynamics in everyday life. For example, in my own experience, I observed how family traditions, religious practices, and language influenced my identity and social interactions. My family’s cuisine and holiday customs fostered a sense of belonging and cultural continuity. Conversely, cultural misunderstandings often occur in multicultural societies, affecting communication and social cohesion.

In the news, cultural clashes related to immigration policies and global conflicts often highlight how differing cultural values or practices can lead to tensions. Understanding culture as a complex interplay of learned behaviors, shared meanings, and structural influences helps explain these conflicts and points toward resolution strategies that respect diversity while fostering mutual understanding.

Another example from recent events is the global response to climate change, where diverse cultural beliefs about nature and community influence policy acceptance and action. Indigenous communities’ spiritual and relational worldview, for example, emphasizes living in harmony with nature, shaping their activism and sustainable practices. Recognizing these cultural perspectives is essential for effective international cooperation and environmental policy development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of culture is that it functions as a multi-layered, evolving system of learned practices, shared symbols, and structural frameworks that influence individual and societal behavior. Recognizing this complexity allows for a more nuanced appreciation of how culture shapes human experience and societal functioning, whether in personal life, community interactions, or global affairs.

References

• Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Harvard University Press.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Basic Books.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
• Oxford Dictionary. (2020). Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, P. (2010). The social and cultural anthropology of the human body. Cambridge University Press.
• Taylor, C. (2007). A secular age. Belknap Press.
• Trenholm, S. (2018). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, R. (1983). Keywords: A vocabulary of culture and society. Oxford University Press.
• Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Culture. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture
• Young, R. (1999). Cultural identity and diaspora. Routledge.