Difference between revisions of "Why is culture learned?"
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− | + | ===Why is Culture Learned?=== | |
Culture is "the pattern of behavior and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and share." Culture is important because it allows humans to communicate and understand symbols, which allow them to develop complex thoughts to share with others. Culture is learned behavior and thinking; one is not born with culture anymore than one is born knowing how to weave a basket. It is impossible for a person to be born already knowing and understanding a culture. Instead, one must go through a process such as encultration. | Culture is "the pattern of behavior and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and share." Culture is important because it allows humans to communicate and understand symbols, which allow them to develop complex thoughts to share with others. Culture is learned behavior and thinking; one is not born with culture anymore than one is born knowing how to weave a basket. It is impossible for a person to be born already knowing and understanding a culture. Instead, one must go through a process such as encultration. | ||
− | + | ===Aspects of Culture=== | |
-language | -language | ||
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As shown in the list of aspects of culture above, culture must be learned. For instance, people are not born knowing a certain language; they are born with the ability to learn any language. Thus, any one person is not born already knowing and thinking with the point of view of one particular culture. | As shown in the list of aspects of culture above, culture must be learned. For instance, people are not born knowing a certain language; they are born with the ability to learn any language. Thus, any one person is not born already knowing and thinking with the point of view of one particular culture. | ||
− | + | ===Enculturation=== | |
Enculturation is the process by which a person learns a certain culture. Enculturation may occur through direct teaching, emulating the behavior of others, or unconsciously. However culture is learned, a person must learn it to be a part of it. | Enculturation is the process by which a person learns a certain culture. Enculturation may occur through direct teaching, emulating the behavior of others, or unconsciously. However culture is learned, a person must learn it to be a part of it. |
Revision as of 11:15, 16 October 2011
Why is Culture Learned?
Culture is "the pattern of behavior and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and share." Culture is important because it allows humans to communicate and understand symbols, which allow them to develop complex thoughts to share with others. Culture is learned behavior and thinking; one is not born with culture anymore than one is born knowing how to weave a basket. It is impossible for a person to be born already knowing and understanding a culture. Instead, one must go through a process such as encultration.
Aspects of Culture
-language
-art
-technology
-styles of dress
-food preparation
-raising children
-rituals
-body ornamentation
-games
-religion
-political and economic systems
As shown in the list of aspects of culture above, culture must be learned. For instance, people are not born knowing a certain language; they are born with the ability to learn any language. Thus, any one person is not born already knowing and thinking with the point of view of one particular culture.
Enculturation
Enculturation is the process by which a person learns a certain culture. Enculturation may occur through direct teaching, emulating the behavior of others, or unconsciously. However culture is learned, a person must learn it to be a part of it.