Seven Elements of Culture Definition of Culture: Culture is everything in our daily lives, it is usually passed down from generation to generation, it is how we think, behave & live. I. Social Organization Social structure to meet the cultures needs. How is the society of this culture organized? A. Extended & Nuclear family Is the American culture is based on nuclear or extended? nuclear B. Social Classes What are the three social classes in American culture? Rich, Middle Class and Poor 1. USA­3 social classes based on economic level­ 3 Social Classes in U.S.­ Rich, Poor and Middle Class. a. social mobility Not all social organization allow for social mobility­ ability to change from one class to another. 2. India's Social System was called the Caste System. Caste system was social system in India until 1947. You were born into your caste and it determined many aspects of your life C. patriarchal and matriarchal With in Social classes, some societies are based on patriarchal­ oldest male has dominate role or Matriarchal were female has dominant role. II. Religion All religions answer the questions about the meaning of life? What happens after we die? teaches and supports the values of the culture A. Hinduism Practiced in S. Asia primarily. B. Christianity 1. Easter, Christmas etc C. Islam 1. Ramadan 2. Piligramage to Hajj D. Buddhism E. Judaism F. Jainism 9/7/2007 Seven Elements of Culture Page 1
III. Customs & Traditions They usually teach people the "rules of behavior" in a society; such as, what we eat, how we eat, what we wear, dating customs etc. A. Holidays Customs also includes Holidays like Thanksgiving or All Saints day in Latin America. B. Food Foods are also apart of customs. In India many people are vegetarians. America is known for hot dogs and apple pie IV. Governments All governments "provide for the common needs of society"­ keeps order & protects. A. Monarchy Many countries are monarchies. The King or ruler is born into that position­ not elected. 1. Saudi Arabia, Jordan B. Democracy­USA 1. power divided C. communism D. dictatorship Many countries have dictatorships­ when one person typically controls the society. E. Theocracy When a countries government is based on religion. 1. Iran V. Economic System Each culture must decide, What goods & services should we produce? How should we produce them? For whom should we produce them? A. capitalism When individuals decide what to produce and how. People own the businesses: Bill Gates B. communism Typically the government controls the means of production. They build factories and provide jobs for there people. C. socialism Socialist systems are a mix of government control and individual control over goods and services VI. Arts & Literature They also teach us about a cultures' values­ through art, music, folk tales, movies & literature. 9/7/2007 Seven Elements of Culture Page 2
A. green eggs and ham, the foot book B. the tortise and the hare C. movies VII. Language Language helps people to communicate, to express thoughts, feelings, and knowledge What is the main Language in the U.S.? Why is Language important? A. Mandarin B. Arabic C. Bengali D. Spanish Mosque Church/ 9/7/2007 Seven Elements of Culture Page 3