In sociology, culture is much more than just art, music, or high fashion. It is the entire way of life for a group of people. It encompasses everything from the language we speak and the clothes we wear to our deepest beliefs about right and wrong.
Definitions
Sociologists define culture as the shared symbols, values, beliefs, and behaviors that form a people’s way of life. There are two types of culture,
- Material Culture: The physical objects created by a society, such as tools, buildings, art, and technology.
- Non-Material Culture: The abstract ideas such as laws, language, and social norms.
Elements
1. Symbols:
- They are anything that carries a specific meaning recognized by people who share a culture
- e.g., a flag, a wedding ring, or a thumbs up gesture.
2. Language:
- It is a system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another.
- It is the primary tool for transmitting culture across generations.
3. Values:
- It refers to the culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good, and beautiful.
4. Beliefs:
- They are specific statements that people hold to be true (e.g., belief in a specific deity or the value of democracy).
5. Norms:
- Rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members.
- Mores: Norms that are widely observed and possesss great moral significance (e.g., taboos against theft).
- Folkways: Norms for routine or casual interaction (e.g., appropriate dress or table manners).
Features
What makes culture unique in the study of human behavior? Sociologists highlight several key characteristics:
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Culture is Learned: It is not biological or instinctive. We acquire culture through a process called enculturation or socialization.
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Culture is Shared: It is a social phenomenon, not an individual one. It requires a group of people to agree on meanings and behaviors.
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Culture is Symbolic: It relies on the human ability to create and use symbols to represent complex ideas.
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Culture is Integrated: The different parts of a culture (religion, economy, family structure) are usually interconnected.
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Culture is Dynamic: It is constantly changing in response to new technology, contact with other groups, or environmental shifts.
Types of Culture
Sociologists often categorize culture based on how it is positioned within a society:
| Type | Description |
| High Culture | Cultural patterns that distinguish a society’s elite
(e.g., opera, classical ballet). |
| Popular Culture | Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society’s population
(e.g., viral memes, pop music). |
| Subculture | Cultural patterns that set apart some segment of a society’s population
(e.g., “gamers” or “bikers”). |
| Counterculture | Cultural patterns that strongly oppose those widely accepted within a society
(e.g., the 1960s hippies). |
Examples
To better understand these concepts, consider how culture manifests differently across the globe:
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Communication: In the US, direct eye contact is seen as a sign of honesty. In many Asian cultures, it can be viewed as a sign of disrespect or aggression.
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Material Culture: The Japanese Chashitsu (tea house) is a piece of material culture that reflects the non-material values of harmony, respect, and tranquility.
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Social Norms: In many Mediterranean cultures, it is common to greet friends with a kiss on both cheeks, whereas in Northern Europe, a firm handshake is the standard.