Culture is the set of beliefs, practices, symbols and norms that define an individual or group. This encompasses language, religion, cuisine, social habits, art and music as well as language-specific practices and beliefs.
Over the last 70 years, anthropologists have created an expansive definition of culture. American anthropologists Kroeber and Kluckhohn, for instance, compiled a list of 164 distinct definitions.
Definition
Culture refers to a collective set of beliefs, behaviors and material objects shared among individuals or groups. This encompasses language, customs, values, norms, mores, rules; tools, technologies products services institutions and organizations.
Culture is an intricate web of knowledge, belief, art, morals, law and custom. It relies on humans’ unique mental capacity to assign meaningful interpretations to things and events that cannot be captured with senses alone.
Cultural elements refer to any social structure through which individuals and groups define themselves, conform to society’s values, or contribute to it. Examples of cultural elements include symbols, heroes, rituals, ceremonies, family units, education systems, religion practices work places health care services etc..
Culture can be measured objectively and meaningfully in some aspects, while others remain imponderable and inexplicable.
Origin
Culture’s origins remain controversial. Some assert that the ability to create, display and communicate complex ideas and concepts was an evolutionary trait inherited by the earliest hominids; indeed, fossil evidence supports this claim.
Culture evolves through a multilinear process that involves both the passing on of cultural knowledge from generation to generation and changes to its physical and social environment. According to some estimates, cultures have existed for at least 1,000,000 years.
Culture’s origins have long been debated, from the mystical to the scientific. It is an intricate multi-linear process that encompasses not only knowledge transmission but also social, economic and technological advancement. The most commonly applied methodology to this problem is an empirical one; most recently a deductive model has emerged which offers an elegant yet highly relevant way of testing new cultural concepts and behaviors.
Significance
Culture refers to a set of human behavior patterns within an established community or social group. It also encompasses symbolic structures that give meaning to these activities, such as customs, laws, dress codes, architecture and social standards.
Cultures may differ in size and scope, but all share shared values that encourage survival, settle disputes amicably, and foster a sense of identity and belonging for members. These elements can be passed down through learning or imitation from one generation to the next.
Since 2010, UNESCO has recognized culture as a Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development, underscoring its vital role in shaping people’s lives and helping them lead healthier ones. A vibrant culture plays an essential role in improving community quality of life and economic prosperity alike.
Applications
It has long been known that humanity was on the cusp of civilization. Yet it wasn’t until recently that it became evident how technology can enhance and even augment human capabilities – both innate and acquired. With this understanding comes a host of new companies springing up across all disciplines. But how best to utilize these growing entities so as to deliver goods on time and within budget? Solving this conundrum requires taking a multidisciplinary approach which ultimately meets or surpasses expectations.
