The Elements of Culture

What is Culture?Culture is the way of life of a

group of people.

Culture

• It distinguishes one group of people from another.

• A group that shares similar customs and beliefs.

• Culture affects everything a groups does, what they believe, how they behave, and how they organize their society.

What elements make up a culture?

• Religion

• Language

• Education

• Government

• Creative expression

• Economy

• Customs & beliefs

• History

• Food

• Technology

Religion - a system of beliefs that goes beyond

human powers

• Judaism• Christianity• Islam• Hinduism• Buddhism

Language

- spoken or written words; human speech

BonjourHola

Shalom

Education

- the development of the mind and character through

study and training

GovernmentThe way a country is ruled and laws are

enforced

Creative Expressionthe arts, clothing, sports, leisure

Economy - the way that money and goods are used by

people, and their

businesses

Customs and Beliefs

- ideals or beliefs that guide the way people live

History

Events that have shaped the region

Food

Technology

The inventions and tools

used in the society

Cultural Diffusion

• Cultures and societies are always in the process of changing

• Ideas or inventions spread when people from different societies come in contact with one another

Examples of Cultural Diffusion

• Language – we use words from other countries, many of our words based on greek and latin

• Food – Mexican, Chinese, Tex-Mex

• Religion

What is the culture of Irving?

• Complete Diagram of Irving’s cultural traits