What is culture? How can it be defined?
Like stated in the introduction, culture cannot simply be one standard definition. The word culture has been used and misused to the point that the word itself can mean multiple different things in different contexts. Upon doing further research, I came across an article that quotes multiple versions and definitions of culture. I have picked out my favorites to examine. Please visit the link here to review the other definitions and examples.
The first definition states that culture is defined as "the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. These shared patterns identify the members of a culture group while also distinguishing those of another group."
If we focus on this definition, then culture is more socially based and less on ethic groups, environments, and "places."
After pondering this definition, I began to realize that my own definition of culture was changing. I had previously said in my life that I do not have a specific "culture;" that my culture is kind of a mesh of many. However, this definition of mine was more relating to my heritage and ethnic groups. By looking at this definition, I have realized that culture is much more. Culture is the process by which we think, act, and react in a society based on our own learned behaviors and morals.
However, culture is also influenced by an environment in which one lives which is where some of the confusion of culture lies. People often relate culture to a specific group of people in a specific place. We are all influenced by our environments. The places in which we live and identify with shape our behaviors, interactions, and cognitive constructs which is turn is our "culture" as stated in the above definition.
Another definition that makes this more clear and less abstract is one that states that culture is not just "artifacts, tools, or other tangible cultural elements but how the members of the group interpret, use, and perceive them." I often contributed culture to these tangible elements. However, when we contribute culture to "artifacts" we lose sight of the people which make up that culture which in an essence is the heart of a culture.
How do you explain your own cultural identity?
As I stated above, in the past I didn't think I really had a "culture." I identified myself as being a part of the large "melting pot" that the U.S. is typically associated with. After this lesson and delving more into what culture actually entails, I am beginning to realize my own cultural identity.
My cultural identity is strongly based on my morals and ethics which affect my interactions and behaviors. I identify with a society that believes in a strong work ethic and that with hard work, anything can be achieved. I identify with a society that works through struggles and does not easily give up. I interact in ways that support this identity and surround myself with other people who share the same values.
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| Picture courtesy of Google images |
I have to say that this has been my favorite module so far. It encouraged me to think outside of my normal realm and challenged some of my previous assumptions of what a culture entails. I like that this module was multifaceted in that it included different things that shape a culture such as the contact with other groups of people as well as included resources to research specific Alaska Native Cultures.
Colleague Comments:
Brenda's Alaska blog has some great pictures to accompany the issues of tectonic forces and volcanoes.
I like her perspective and examples on how digital technology changes our perception of our "natural systems."
Shannon, I appreciate your discussion about the differences between material and non-material culture. You helped define the two terms by describing your own cultural experience. Thanks.
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