The notion of culture is diverse. It cannot be defined in two or three phrases. Besides, it is difficult to find any other such word which would have such set of semantic shades. In a survey of definitions of culture carried out in 1952 by anthropologists A. L. Kroeber and C. Kluckhohn they identified 164 distinct meanings, including among others those based on the concept of traditions, habits, learning, ideas and symbols. One that I’ve found the most unusual is: “.culture is human energy organized in patterns of repetitive behaviour”. (A. L. Kroeber, C. Kluckhohn 2001 p.141)
So what is the reason of such a variety of interpretations?
Table of Contents
1. What 'culture' is and how does it work
Objectives and Themes
This document aims to explore the multifaceted nature of culture, examining how it is constructed, how it influences individual perception, and how people navigate cultural differences in social interactions.
- The multidimensional and complex nature of cultural definitions.
- The influence of consciousness and 'Selective perception' on reality.
- The impact of 'Linguistic relativism' on cross-cultural understanding.
- The 'MAR' (mistake, awareness, repair) concept in bridging cultural gaps.
- Practical observation of cultural dynamics in social settings.
Excerpt from the Book
What 'culture' is and how does it work
The notion of culture is diverse. It cannot be defined in two or three phrases. Besides, it is difficult to find any other such word which would have such set of semantic shades. In a survey of definitions of culture carried out in 1952 by anthropologists A. L. Kroeber and C. Kluckhohn they identified 164 distinct meanings, including among others those based on the concept of traditions, habits, learning, ideas and symbols. One that I’ve found the most unusual is: “. . . culture is human energy organized in patterns of repetitive behaviour”. (A. L. Kroeber, C. Kluckhohn 2001 p.141)
So what is the reason of such a variety of interpretations? First of all, reason is that culture expresses depth and immeasurability of human life. As each person is unique, the culture also is multidimensional. It has been studied not only by anthropologists, but also by philosophers, sociologists, historians and each researcher pays attention to one of its parties.
The culture has arisen from comprehension by the person of his life, and is defined as his attitude to this life. People do not respond the world as it really is, but as they perceive it to be. The given statement is reflected in the concept of ‘Selective perception’. In my opinion, the consciousness - is the perfect tool allowing the person to transform environment at his own discretion. However our consciousness does not contain any instructions of how to use it, there is nothing obligatory. Instead of knowledge – what is actually real, the person has only possibility to estimate– it seems to me that our reality is constructed as follows.
Summary of Chapters
1. What 'culture' is and how does it work: This chapter provides an analytical overview of cultural definitions, the role of consciousness and language in shaping reality, and the mechanisms of cultural exchange through human interaction.
Keywords
Culture, Selective perception, Linguistic relativism, Social construction, Collective programming, Ethnocentrism, MAR concept, Human behaviour, Social environment, Cultural diversity, Consciousness, Reality, Cross-cultural interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on understanding the diverse and complex nature of 'culture', examining how it functions as a social construct that shapes human perception and interaction.
What are the central themes discussed?
Central themes include the multidimensional definitions of culture, the influence of consciousness on reality, linguistic relativism, and the challenges of overcoming ethnocentric tendencies.
What is the main objective of the author?
The author aims to clarify how culture operates as a dynamic process that influences how individuals perceive their environment and interact with others from different backgrounds.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The author utilizes a descriptive and interpretive approach, synthesizing anthropological theories and concepts such as 'Social construction' and 'Selective perception' with personal observation.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical underpinnings of cultural definitions, the 'MAR' (mistake, awareness, repair) concept for coping with cultural differences, and an experiential account of cultural dynamics.
Which keywords characterize the document?
Key terms include culture, selective perception, linguistic relativism, social construction, collective programming, and ethnocentrism.
What is the 'MAR' concept?
The 'MAR' concept (mistake, awareness, repair) explains how individuals can manage and bridge the gap when encountering frames of reference that differ from their own cultural expectations.
How does the author relate the concept of 'Selective perception' to social events?
The author demonstrates through a personal experience at a Scottish dancing event how 'Selective perception' and social rules influence participation and the formation of social bonds.
- Quote paper
- Taisiya Latysh (Author), 2009, What 'culture' is and how does it work, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/124487
