What Is Culture? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Human Connections

What Is Culture? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Human Connections

Find out what culture is, why it matters, and how it impacts our everyday lives. See the meaning of culture, categories, examples, and what culture does for us as a society.

Introduction: Why Ask “What Is Culture?”

If you've ever asked, "What is culture?" you're not alone. Culture is among the most searched for and talked about topics in the world. We hear about it in schools, in workplaces, in media, and leisure talk. But what exactly does it mean?

Culture is more than art, music, or traditions. It is the invisible thread that binds people together, influences identities, and reflects the way we see the world. Taking the time to understand culture can help us connect better with people, appreciate the diversity of culture itself, and even give thought about who we are.

In this article, We review culture meaning, the main types of culture, some examples, and why culture features incredibly significant in many of our human lives.

What Is Culture? The Primary Definition

Culture is broadly defined as the shared way of life of a group of people. This includes their:

Beliefs (what they believe to be true)

Values (what they think is of primary importance)

Customs and traditions (how they commemorate and live)

Language (how they communicate)

Art, music and food (forms of identity)

In other words, culture is the "software" that shapes human behavior. Just as computers use operating systems to run, societies also use culture for smooth running.

What Does Culture Mean in Everyday Life

When you greet someone with a handshake, bow or smile--that's culture.

When you enjoy a family recipe that's been passed down for generations--that's culture.

When you speak your home language or recognize a holiday that's important to you--that's culture.

Culture extends beyond history books and museums, because it lives within our habits, conversations, and traditions.

Why Culture Matters

Culture matters because it:

Shapes Identity -- gives people a sense of belonging and roots.

Guides Behavior -- gives implicit rules for what is polite, respectful or acceptable.

Creates Connections -- allows groups to bond and work together.

Sustains History -- allows traditions to be passed on to future generations.

Fosters Diversity -- creates a colorful world of unique perspectives.

Imagine a world without any culture, where no music, no celebrations, and no shared values exist. Life would seem meaningless.

Culture comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Here are some of the main types of culture.

1. Material Culture

These cultures refer to the physical objects that are made by humans – clothing, architecture, technology, art, and tools. For example – Japanese kimonos or Roman architecture.

2. Non-Material Culture

These are the invisible parts of culture: beliefs, values, norms, and morals. For example – respect or elders or spiritual practices.

3. Popular Culture

Popular culture or pop culture is the culture of the masses – music, television shows, social media trends, and fashions. Think K-Pop, Marvel movies, or TikTok dances.

4. High Culture

High culture is associated with the fine arts, classical music, literature, and intellectual pursuits. Visiting the opera house or an art gallery is a commonplace assumption of high culture.

5. Subcultures

Subcultures exist within a society and have a specific style or values. Skateboard culture, goth culture, and gamer culture stand out as examples.

6. Corporate Culture

A corporation can also have a culture which refers to the behavioural traditions the organization has shared as common values. Google, for example, is regarded as a highly innovative organization that utilizes teamwork.

Examples of Culture Around the Globe

To get a better understanding of what culture is, let’s check out some idea examples of culture.

Food: Italian Pasta, Indian Curry, Mexican Tacos.

Traditions: Chinese New Year, American Thanksgiving, Hindu Diwali.

Language: There are over 7,000 languages around the world, which all give us a different perspective of culture.

Art & Music: African drumming, French painting, Latin American salsa.

Clothing: Scottish kilts, Middle Eastern abayas, West African kente cloth.

All examples illustrate the ways in which humans express cultural identity and connect with their communities.

Culture & Identity: How the Two Connect

Your culture constructs your identity from the day of your birth and through the stories and ideas that your grandparents tell you about their own experience; the language you learn; the festivals that you and your family celebrate.

But there is also a sense of fluidity with identity. Many people grow up in multicultural environments that blend various traditions into their own unique cultural blend.

For example, children of immigrants often grow up in a pressurized balance of cultural traditions that their families maintained and the culture of the place they have made their new home. These spaces create new traditions and ways of being.

How Culture Changes

Culture is not a fixed concept. Culture is a moveable feast that adapts and morphs depending on the nature of the society in which a culture exists. Technology, migration, globalization and environmental changes all influence how cultures change over time.

Technology: the emergence of smartphones and social media created a digital culture.

Globalization: cultures are influenced by one another. For example, sushi in America and pizza in Japan.

Social Movements: sending messages about gender equality, climate action and justice can and do influence culture and cultural values.

Culture is both ancient and modern because it is implicated in an evolving history. Cultural change will always draw on cultural histories, but will add new influences and directions along the way.

Cultural Misconceptions

Many view culture as limited to:

Art, dance, and music (but it is so much more)

Other people (but everyone has culture and you’re not an exception)

Something static and fixed (but culture is always evolving)

Examining culture requires going beyond stereotypes and recognizing its complexity.

Culture and Society: They go together...

Culture and society are two sides of the same coin. Society is a group of people living together and culture is the glue that binds them. Without culture, society would have no order, meanings or cooperative behavior.

Cultural Diversity: Enriches the world.

The world is a beautiful tapestry of cultures. Each brings strengths.

A diversity of thought leads to ingenuity.

A diversity of food leads to a variety of diets.

A diversity of traditions leads to tolerance and respect between people.

A diversity of languages leads to different ways of communication and creativity.

Cultural diversity doesn’t separate people, it can connect people, if only people are open to it and people approach it with respect.

What the Future Holds for Culture

As the world becomes more connected, cultures will continue to mix and blend. Digital spaces are creating a global community where memes, ideas, and trends spread instantaneously.

With that said, many are working hard to preserve endangered languages and disappearing traditions. The outcome of these efforts will be down to a recognition of heritage or to embracing new approaches to knowledge and culture.

Conclusion: Why it is Important to Consider “What Is Culture?"

So to conclude, what is culture?! So culture in essence is a collection of beliefs, values, customs, and traditions that shape human life. Culture is enacted in the food we eat, the languages we speak, the traditions celebrate, and the stories we tell.

Culture provides identity, unites us, and is an important aspect of the richness of culture in the world. Understanding culture will provide information about others and increase our awareness about ourselves.