Culture & Cultural

Diversity

Meaning of Culture

Culture is a unique
possession of man.

Human being regarded as a

representative of his culture.

Culture includes all that man

has acquired in his
individual and social life.

Definition

Culture is that complex whole

which includes knowledge, belief,
art, morals, law, customs, and any
other capabilities acquired by man
as a member of society Tylor

Culture consists in the

instruments constituted by man to
assist him in satisfying his wants
North

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is learnt
Culture is social
Culture is shared
Culture is transmissive
Culture is continuous
Culture is consistent and integrated
Culture is dynamic and adaptive
Culture is gratifying
Culture varies from society to society

Structure of Culture

Cultural traits

Cultural complex

The single element or smallest unit of

culture.
Cultural complex nothing but larger
cluster of traits.

Cultural pattern

Culture pattern formed when traits and

complexes become related to each
other in functional roles.

Functions of Culture

For individual

Culture makes man a human being

Culture provides solutions for
complicated situations
Culture provides traditional
interpretations to certain situations.

For the group

Culture keeps social relationships intact

Culture broadens the vision of the
individual
Culture creates new needs

Diversity of Culture

Historical Accidents
Geographical Environment
Mobility of human organism
Inventions and Discoveries
Individual peculiarities
Change in modes of production
Dominant cultural themes