Knowledge Notes - Cultural Context

Cultural context simply means the world of the text.
Sample Introduction

Cultural context can be broadly defined as the world of the texts and the
forces within these worlds that shape the lives of the text's characters. This
automatically leads to the question would we the reader like to live in the
world of the text. The cultural context of a text can be conveyed through this
manner, through the type of society in which the text is located and also
through criticisms of social institutions, rituals and norms represented within
a text. In this essay I will examine in detail the following cultural categories
and question whether there are similarities or differences between the
cultures represented. The texts I have studied are…
Task : For each of the texts explore the following elements
Paragraph 1 - Living in the culture

What are the rules/ laws of the world?

Is it a pleasant place to live? Why?

How are people treated in this world

Would you like to live there? Why?

How does it compare with your world?

How does the society work?
o
Society or human society is the manner or condition in which the members of a
community live together for their mutual benefit.
Paragraph 2 –Gender and work

What is it like to be a woman / man in this world?

How does gender as affect human rights

Is work important? Why?
Paragraph 3 Religion and Class

Does religion play a big role in this world?

What type of religion?

Is there a class system? Is it rigid? Why?
Copyright Mr. Mc Ardle’s English
Page 1

How are people expected to behave in this world?
Paragraph 4 – Values , Power and Money

Who has the power in this world?

What values are important?Is money and status important? Why?

Is there poverty and/or affluence in this world?
Mr Mc Ardle 2009
Copyright Mr. Mc Ardle’s English
Page 2
Copyright Mr. Mc Ardle’s English
Page 3