The word ‘culture’ is something that has been used for a long time, and its meaning has evolved over time. It is a complex concept, and often people think of it as something quite intangible, such as beliefs, values, traditions, and heritage. Culture however, can have a broad and profound impact on people, society, the economy and politics in myriad ways. Understanding and taking into account the importance of culture can be instrumental in effecting true social change.
What is Culture?
In the simplest terms, culture can be defined as the sum total of all socially transmitted patterns of behavior, values, attitudes, ideas and artifacts. It is an integral part of every human society, and is the primary source of identity, creativity, development and entertainment. The cultural values shared by members of a particular society provide them with the anchor to identify themselves and their place in the world.
Impact of Culture on People
The most obvious way that culture affects people is in providing them with a sense of identity and belonging. Not only does our culture determine who we are, but it also shapes our actions and decision making. On a personal level, it can affect an individual’s attitudes and behaviors, attitudes towards others, table etiquette and wardrobe choices. It contributes to our view of the world and of our own self-worth, and shapes the way that we communicate with others.
Central to culture is language. It is through language that all culture is transmitted, and by learning a language, whether our own mother tongue or another, we gain access to a new culture. Access to another culture can broaden our horizons, allowing us to gain different perspectives and to become more accepting of other cultures.
Culture can also act as a unifying force, bringing people together despite diverse backgrounds, and promoting a sense of shared values. People of similar cultural values can feel more connected to one another, due to their shared experiences.
Impact of Culture on Society
Culture acts as a social glue, providing people with a sense of belonging and a shared common identity. If a society’s population consists of people with different values, traditions and social norms, this can lead to misunderstanding, prejudice and even conflict. As a result, understanding and respecting cultural diversity can be essential for a peaceful and harmonious society.
Culture can be a vital factor in the economic development of a society, as it can influence people’s attitudes towards entrepreneurship, investments, and foreign businesses. Specifically, due to the fact that different countries and societies have different measures of success and criteria of what is important, this can cause conflicts when dealing with multinational companies.
Culture has a significant impact on politics as well, either by reinforcing or challenging existing political systems and ideologies. Cultural values, traditions and beliefs are powerful forces and can be used to shape the political landscape by influencing the way people think and behave.
Examples of the Importance of Culture
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Diversity: In countries or societies that are known for their cultural diversity, such as the United States and Canada, it is a common and accepted practice for people from different backgrounds to live and work together.
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Opportunities: Participating in a culturally diverse environment can provide individuals with new skills and experiences, opening up opportunities for growth and development.
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Education: Inclusion of a variety of cultures and perspectives in the education system can provide students with a multifaceted understanding of the world, giving them a global outlook.
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Innovations: Different cultures can offer different approaches towards resolving issues, and through working together, new and creative approaches to problem solving can emerge.
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Adaptability: By being exposed to other cultures and ways of thinking, people are better able to adapt to change and the ever-evolving nature of the world.
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Acceptance: This can be particularly powerful when considering refugee populations, as understanding and accepting different cultures can be essential in helping them to feel more at ease in their new home.
It is impossible to deny the significant and wide-ranging impact that culture has on people and society alike. It is the primary source of identity, creativity and understanding, and is the cornerstone of any successful society. Therefore, it is essential to understand the importance of culture and to promote cultural diversity, inclusion and tolerance. This will help to bring about a more peaceful, secure and prosperous future for all.