Nine Traits of Culture What are the Nine Traits of Culture? The “Nine Traits of Culture” serve as a framework for the study of culture in human societies. 1. Language 2. History 3. Food and Shelter (Types / Styles) 4. Education Systems 5. Security/Protection 6. Relationships – Family and Others 7. Political and Social Organizations 8. Religion (beliefs / morals / mores) 9. Creative Expression – Recreation 1. Language • • • • Allows for communication to exist, helps establish cultural identities Oral tradition - Helps pass cultural traits along through generations There are between 3,000 and 6,500 different languages spoken in the world today Dialect – different versions of the same basic language 2. History • Every culture has a past, present, and a future. • Events in the past often directly shape the elements of a modern culture . • Includes festivals and holidays that celebrate or remember the past. 3. Food and Shelter – The places we live and the things we eat 4. Education • How culture is taught or learned 1. Formal – Schools, Universities, Religion (church) 2. In-Formal – Family, Friends, Social Clubs / Groups 5. Security/Protection • • • • Organized Military Forces Organized Police Forces Family/Tribal Militias and Gangs Individual Self-Defense 6. Relationships – Family and Others • • • • • Relatives Family Living Arrangements Friendships Romantic Relationships and Marriages Classmates / Co-Workers 7. Political and social organization • Government System – Make rules and laws to keep society in order • Clubs – Examples? Boys and Girls, Boy Scouts, FFA, Optimists, • Fraternal organizations – Kiwanis, University, Veterans, Masonic Lodges etc. 8. Religion The belief in a supernatural power or powers, responsible for the creation and maintenance of the universe, and associated practices. Major Types of Religions? 1. Monotheistic – belief in one god 2. Polytheistic – belief in many gods 3. Animistic or Traditional – belief in the forces of nature 9. Creative Expression - Recreation • Music – instruments, singing • Art – Paintings, sculpture, photography • Dance • Theater • Literature – Novels, Poems • Architecture • Sports • Outdoor activities • Hobbies What is your culture?