Culture and Society

CULTURE

Consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of
a group or society. Through culture, people and groups define themselves, conform to society,s
shared values, and contribute to society.

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Sociologists define society as the people who interact in such a way as to share a common
culture. The cultural bond may be ethnic or racial, based on gender, etc.

QUALITIES OF A SOCIETY

Culture is that complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art. any other capabilities and
habits acquired by a human being as a member of society.

Culture is viewed as the ways of doing, being, and explaining

FOUR (4) TYPES OF CULTURE

1. Real Culture. Real culture can be observed in our social life. We act upon on culture in our
social life is real. People adopt in their social life is their real one.

2. Ideal Culture. The culture which is presented as a pattern or precedent to the people is
called ideal. It can never be achieved fully because some part of it remains out of practice. It is
explained in textbooks.

3. Material Culture. consists of man-made objects such as furniture, automobiles, buildings and
many more. The physical matter converted and used by man.

4. Non-Material Culture. The term 'culture' when used in the ordinary sense, means non-
material culture'. It is nonphysical ideas which include values, beliefs etc.

How does it define our moral behavior?

Culture and social behavior humans start families and spend time together contents of a culture
are accumulation of symbolic.

Culture reflects the moral and ethical beliefs, people should behave and interact with others.
They act as prescriptions for correct and moral behavior, provide a means of achieving a sense
of integrity etc.

Culture is a belief about ethics, behaviors and held by most people within a society. The culture
of which we are a part impacts our identity and even our beliefs about the nature of life. The
type of culture either Individualistic or Collective and influences what that person believes and
how that person behaves.
Every culture has its own perception of moral behavior. A good behavior in a culture may be
something bad in another.

Culture define our moral behavior in a way of culture reflects the moral and ethical beliefs and
standards that speak to how people should behave and interact with others.

Culture and Its Impact on Society

Definition of Culture

Culture can be defined as:

1. The complex whole that includes knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs, and any
other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society.

2. The ways of doing, being, and explaining that are shared by a group of people.

The Relationship Between Culture and Society

Sociologists define society as a group of people who interact in such a way as to share a
common culture. The cultural bond that ties a society together may be based on various factors,
including:

1. Ethnicity

2. Race

3. Gender

4. Shared history

5. Common values and beliefs

These cultural bonds create a sense of identity and belonging among members of a society,
influencing their behaviors, norms, and expectations.

Types of Culture

Culture can be categorized into four main types:

1. Real Culture

Real culture refers to the observable patterns of behavior and interaction in everyday social life.
It represents the actual practices and customs that people adopt and enact in their daily
routines. Examples include:
- Greeting customs (e.g., handshakes, bows, or kisses)

- Dining etiquette

- Work practices and routines

2. Ideal Culture

Ideal culture represents the standards, values, and behaviors that a society aspires to achieve.
It is often presented as a pattern or precedent for people to follow but may not be fully realized
in practice. Examples include:

- Religious teachings and moral ideals

- Constitutional principles

- Cultural archetypes and heroes

3. Material Culture

Material culture consists of tangible, man-made objects that reflect a society's values, beliefs,
and technological advancements. Examples include:

- Architecture and buildings

- Tools and technology

- Artwork and artifacts

- Clothing and fashion

4. Non-Material Culture

Non-material culture encompasses intangible aspects of society, including ideas, values,

- Language and communication styles

- Religious beliefs and practices

- Social expectations and roles

- Moral and ethical standards

Culture's Influence on Moral Behavior

Culture plays a significant role in shaping moral behavior within a society. It influences ethical
beliefs, prescribes correct behavior, and provides a framework for achieving a sense of integrity
and social cohesion.
Cultural Impact on Ethics and Behavior

1. Moral guidelines: Culture often provides explicit and implicit rules for what is considered right
or wrong within a society.

2. Social norms: Cultural expectations shape how individuals interact with others and behave in
various social contexts.

3. Value systems: The underlying values of a culture influence individual and collective decision-
making processes.

Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Cultures

The type of culture, whether individualistic or collectivistic, can significantly impact a person's
beliefs and behaviors:

1. Individualistic cultures (e.g., United States, United Kingdom) tend to prioritize personal goals,
self-reliance, and individual achievement.

2. Collectivistic cultures (e.g., Japan, China) often emphasize group harmony, interdependence,
and collective well-being.

These cultural orientations can influence moral decision-making, social responsibilities, and
personal relationships.

Cultural Relativism in Moral Behavior

It's important to note that perceptions of moral behavior can vary across cultures. What is
considered good or acceptable in one culture may be viewed differently in another. For
example:

- In some cultures, direct eye contact is a sign of respect, while in others, it may be perceived as
confrontational or disrespectful.

- Attitudes toward personal space and physical contact can differ greatly between cultures,
affecting social interactions and perceptions of appropriate behavior.

Summary

Culture is a fundamental aspect of human societies that shapes our identities, beliefs, and
behaviors. By understanding the various types of culture and their impact on moral behavior, we
can develop a more nuanced appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and the
complex interplay between individuals and their social environments. As we navigate an
increasingly interconnected world, recognizing and respecting cultural differences becomes
essential for fostering understanding and cooperation across diverse societies.
Here is a 10-question short response quiz on culture and its impact on society, suitable for
university-level students:

1. Explain the relationship between culture and society. How do cultural bonds help create a
sense of identity within a society?

2. Compare and contrast real culture and ideal culture. Provide an example of each that was not
mentioned in the text.

3. How might material culture reflect a society's values and technological advancements?
Analyze a specific example from your own observations.

4. Discuss how non-material culture influences social interactions and behavior. Provide an
example from your own cultural experience.

5. Evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of cultural relativism in understanding