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Culture: The Heartbeat of Humanity
Introduction

Culture is the essence of human society. It defines who we are, how we live, what we value, and how we relate to one another and to the world around us. From language and religion to food, art, traditions, and social norms, culture shapes every aspect of our lives. Despite its abstract nature, it has tangible effects on individuals, communities, and civilizations. This essay explores the multifaceted concept of culture, its components, its role in shaping identity and society, its evolution, and its enduring significance in an increasingly globalized world.

Defining Culture

Culture is a complex system of beliefs, practices, values, symbols, norms, and artifacts that are shared by members of a society and passed down from generation to generation. Anthropologist Edward B. Tylor famously defined culture in 1871 as:

“That complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.”

This definition underscores culture’s inclusive nature—it encompasses not just what people do, but how they think and interpret the world. Culture is not static; it is dynamic and continuously evolving in response to internal developments and external influences.

Components of Culture

Culture can be divided into material and non-material components.

1. Material Culture

Material culture consists of physical objects created and used by a society. These include:

Architecture (e.g., temples, houses, skyscrapers)

Technology (tools, vehicles, digital devices)

Artworks (paintings, sculptures)

Clothing

Food and cuisine

These tangible items provide insights into the values, economic development, and historical progression of a culture.

2. Non-material Culture

Non-material culture includes intangible elements that guide behavior and give meaning to life. These include:

Language – the foundation of communication and thought

Beliefs and religion

Norms – societal rules for behavior

Values – shared ideas about what is good or desirable

Symbols – signs that carry specific meanings within a culture (e.g., flags, gestures)

Cultural Universals and Variations

Despite immense cultural diversity, certain elements appear across all human societies—these are known as cultural universals. Examples include:

Family structures

Language

Rituals

Religious practices

Artistic expression

However, how these universals are expressed varies greatly. For instance, the concept of family is universal, but family structures differ widely—from nuclear families in Western societies to extended kinship systems in African or South Asian cultures.

Types of Culture
1. Dominant Culture

This is the mainstream culture that is widely accepted and practiced by the majority of people in a society. It often reflects the values of those in power and can marginalize minority cultures.

2. Subculture

Subcultures are groups within a larger culture that have

1. 1 The Study of Culture, Society, and Politics

2. Ask About the Changes 2 Cultural, Social, or Political Change Questions About the Change Subject of Inquiry Field or Discipline Filipinos use social media platforms to communicate and seek information. Should the government regulate social media content? government control over social media content political science

3. How did you arrive at those questions? What are the academic disciplines or fields that deal with questions about culture, society, and politics? How do they deal with these questions? Why is it important to study culture, society, and politics using the perspectives and methods of different academic disciplines? Ask About the Changes 3

4. Social Sciences 4 disciplines concerned with the development and prediction of human behavior as influenced by cultural, social, psychological, and political phenomena

5. Social Sciences Anthropology Insert illustration here Sociology Political Science Insert illustration here Insert illustration here 5

6. Anthropology 6 It scientifically examines the behavior, origin, social, physical, and cultural development of humans.

7. Sociology 7 It is the systematic study of social interaction and society.

8. Political Science 8 It is the systematic and empirical study of governance that examines societal, cultural, and behavioral factors in the operation of government and politics.

9. 9 Randolf “Randy” S. David Filipino Sociologist FILIPINO HISTORY MAKER

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