Culture: Definition, Types, Elements & Change

TAKEAWAYS:

• Culture is the learned, shared, and transmitted way of life of a group of people.
• It includes both material culture (physical objects) and non-material culture (ideas, beliefs, values).
• Language, norms, values, and symbols are the core elements of culture.
• Culture changes through diffusion, innovation, and acculturation.
• Subcultures and countercultures exist within larger cultures.
• Cultural relativism helps us understand different cultures without judgment.

What is Culture?

Culture is the shared way of life of a group of people. It includes everything that humans create, learn, and pass on from one generation to the next. Unlike animals, humans do not rely only on instincts—they depend on culture to survive and thrive.

Key Features of Culture

1. Learned: Culture is not inherited; it is learned through socialization.
2. Shared: It is common to a group, not just an individual.
3. Transmitted: Culture is passed from one generation to the next.
4. Dynamic: Culture changes over time due to new ideas, technology, and interactions.

Types of Culture

Culture can be divided into two main types:

1. Material Culture

• Consists of physical objects created by humans.
• Examples: Tools, buildings, clothing, food, technology, and art.
• Helps us understand how people live and work.

2. Non-Material Culture

• Consists of abstract ideas, beliefs, and behaviors.
• Examples: Language, religion, customs, laws, and values.
• Guides how people think and behave.

mindmap
  root((Culture))
    Material Culture
      Tools
      Buildings
      Clothing
    Non-Material Culture
      Language
      Religion
      Customs
      Values

Elements of Culture

Culture has several key elements that help define it:

1. Language

• The most important element of culture.
• Used for communication, expressing emotions, and passing on knowledge.
• Example: Nepali, English, and Newar are languages used in Nepal.

2. Norms

• Rules that guide behavior in society.
• Folkways: Minor norms (e.g., saying "Namaste" instead of shaking hands).
• Mores: Major norms (e.g., not stealing, respecting elders).
• Laws: Formal rules enforced by the government.

3. Values

• Beliefs about what is good, bad, right, or wrong.
• Example: Honesty, hard work, and family loyalty.

4. Symbols

• Objects, gestures, or sounds that have meaning.
• Example: The lotus flower in Nepal symbolizes purity; the flag represents the nation.

5. Beliefs and Attitudes

• Ideas people hold about the world.
• Example: Belief in gods, superstitions, or scientific theories.

6. Customs and Traditions

• Repeated behaviors passed down through generations.
• Example: Dashain and Tihar in Nepal, wedding ceremonies, and farming rituals.

How Culture Changes

Culture is not static—it changes over time due to:

1. Diffusion

• The spread of cultural elements from one society to another.
• Example: McDonald’s spreading globally or Nepali music influencing Bollywood.

2. Innovation

• New ideas or inventions that change culture.
• Example: Smartphones replacing landlines, social media changing communication.

3. Acculturation

• When two cultures come into contact and influence each other.
• Example: Nepali students studying abroad adopting some Western customs while keeping Nepali traditions.

4. Invention and Discovery

• New technologies or scientific discoveries change culture.
• Example: The internet revolutionizing education and business.

flowchart TD
    A["Culture Change"] --> B["Diffusion"]
    A --> C["Innovation"]
    A --> D["Acculturation"]
    A --> E["Invention & Discovery"]
    B --> F["Spread of ideas from one culture to another"]
    C --> G["New technologies or ideas"]
    D --> H["Two cultures influencing each other"]
    E --> I["Scientific or technological breakthroughs"]

Subcultures and Countercultures

Not all cultures are the same—some groups have their own unique ways of life within a larger society.

1. Subcultures

• Smaller groups with distinct cultural patterns within a larger culture.
• Example: Hip-hop culture, gaming communities, or student unions.

2. Countercultures

• Groups that reject mainstream culture and promote alternative values.
• Example: Environmental activists, punk rock movements, or feminist groups.

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

How we view other cultures depends on our perspective:

1. Ethnocentrism

• Believing one’s own culture is superior to others.
• Leads to judgment and prejudice.
• Example: Thinking Nepali customs are better than Western ones.

2. Cultural Relativism

• Understanding and accepting other cultures on their own terms.
• Helps avoid bias and promotes tolerance.
• Example: Respecting Hindu rituals even if you are not Hindu.

Culture and Society

Culture shapes society in many ways:

1. Social Control: Norms and laws keep society orderly.
2. Identity: Culture defines who we are (e.g., Nepali, Newari, Tharu).
3. Socialization: Culture teaches us how to behave (e.g., manners, roles).
4. Conflict and Cooperation: Different cultures may clash or work together.

Solved Example: Identifying Material and Non-Material Culture

Question: Classify the following as material or non-material culture:

• A) The Dhaka (traditional Nepali cap)
• B) The belief in evil spirits
• C) Smartphones
• D) The custom of greeting with "Namaste"

Solution:

NEB Board-Style Questions (Practice)

Short Answer Questions

1. Define culture and give two examples of material and two of non-material culture.
2. What is the difference between folkways and mores? Give one example of each.
3. Explain cultural diffusion with an example from Nepal.
4. How does language contribute to the continuity of culture?
5. What is cultural relativism? Why is it important?

Long Answer Questions

6. Describe the elements of culture with examples. How do these elements help in socialization?
7. Explain the processes of cultural change. How have modern technologies influenced culture in Nepal?
8. Compare subcultures and countercultures with examples from Nepali society.
9. How does ethnocentrism affect intercultural relations? Discuss with reference to Nepal.
10. "Culture is the backbone of society." Justify this statement with examples.

Exam Tip

1. Define Clearly: Always start with a clear definition of culture before explaining.
2. Use Examples: NEB loves real-life examples—use Nepali society when possible.
3. Compare and Contrast: Questions often ask for differences (e.g., material vs. non-material, subculture vs. counterculture).
4. Link to Nepal: Since NEB focuses on Nepali context, relate theories to Nepali customs, festivals, or social issues.
5. Diagrams Help: If allowed, draw mind maps or flowcharts to explain cultural elements or change processes.
6. Avoid Vague Answers: Instead of saying "culture is important," explain how it shapes behavior, identity, or society.

Final Thought: Culture is not just about traditions—it is the living fabric of society. Understanding it helps us appreciate diversity, solve social problems, and adapt to a changing world. Keep observing your surroundings—you’ll see culture everywhere! 🚀