Characteristics of Culture:
1 Learned:
Culture is not innate but learned through socialization. From childhood, individuals acquire cultural norms, values, and practices through interactions with family, peers, schools, and other social institutions. This process of learning is both conscious and unconscious.
2 Shared:
Culture is collectively shared by members of a group or society. It forms the basis for common understanding, meaning, and behavior. The shared nature of culture allows individuals to communicate and interact in ways that make sense within their specific social context.
3 Symbolic:
Culture relies heavily on symbols—objects, words, or gestures that carry particular meanings. For example, language is a symbolic system, and so are religious rituals, flags, and other forms of expression. These symbols help people communicate abstract concepts and ideas.
4 Dynamic:
Culture is not static; it evolves over time. Cultural practices and beliefs change in response to new experiences, technologies, migrations, and interactions with other cultures. This dynamic nature allows societies to adapt to changing conditions.
5 Integrated:
Culture is a system of interconnected elements. Changes in one part of the culture, such as shifts in economic practices or technological innovations, often affect other parts, like social structures or family roles. Social anthropology often examines how different aspects of culture (e.g., politics, religion, economy) work together as a whole.
6 Normative:
Culture provides norms, values, and rules that guide behavior. These norms dictate how individuals should behave in different social contexts, like how to interact with elders, what is considered polite, or what actions are deemed inappropriate.
7 Adaptive:
Culture is adaptive in the sense that it helps individuals and groups survive in their particular environment. Cultures develop practices that allow their members to deal with the challenges they face, whether it be in terms of climate, resources, or social cooperation.