Introduction
In the last article, we discussed social norms, and when a set of norms comes together into a whole set of value systems, the people who follow them form their own cultural circles. So today we’re going to look at what culture is. Ever notice how what’s considered “normal” in one place can seem totally bizarre somewhere else? That’s culture at work—the set of beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that shape our everyday lives, often without us even realizing it. Culture is like an invisible glue that holds society together, giving us a sense of identity and belonging. But how exactly is culture formed, and what role does it play in our lives? And in today’s globalized world, what happens when different cultures collide? Let’s dive into these questions and explore the fascinating world of culture.
What Is Culture?
Culture is a bit like the air we breathe—essential, yet often unnoticed. It’s the collective programming of the mind, as the sociologist Geert Hofstede puts it, that distinguishes the members of one group from another. But culture isn’t just about exotic traditions or colorful festivals. It’s the sum of our shared experiences, beliefs, values, and practices that shape how we see the world and how we interact with it.
At its core, culture encompasses everything from the language we speak to the food we eat, the holidays we celebrate, and even the way we dress. It’s not just about what we do, but why we do it—the underlying beliefs and values that guide our actions. For example, the American emphasis on individualism is reflected in cultural practices like celebrating personal achievements or encouraging self-expression. In contrast, many Asian cultures value collectivism, which can be seen in practices that prioritize group harmony and respect for authority.
How Is Culture Formed?
Culture doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s built up over time through a complex interplay of factors. One of the most important influences on culture is history. The experiences and events that a society has gone through—whether it’s war, colonization, migration, or technological advancements—leave a lasting impact on its cultural fabric. These historical events shape collective memories, traditions, and values that are passed down from generation to generation.
Another key factor in the formation of culture is geography. The physical environment in which a group of people lives—its climate, natural resources, and landscape—affects everything from the food they eat to the way they build their homes and organize their communities. For instance, island nations like Japan have developed cultures that emphasize harmony with nature, partly due to their geographical isolation and reliance on the sea.
Social institutions like family, education, religion, and government also play a huge role in shaping culture. These institutions instill societal norms, values, and expectations that individuals internalize from a young age. For example, the concept of filial piety in Confucian cultures, which emphasizes respect and care for one’s parents and ancestors, is deeply ingrained through family structures and educational practices.
But culture isn’t static—it evolves. As societies change, so does their culture. Technological advancements, globalization, and social movements all contribute to the ongoing transformation of cultural practices and beliefs. The internet, for example, has significantly influenced contemporary culture, creating new ways of communication, socialization, and even activism.
The Role of Culture in Real Life
So why does culture matter? Well, for starters, it gives us a sense of identity. Culture connects us to our heritage, our history, and to the people who share our background. It’s through culture that we learn who we are and where we come from. When we participate in cultural rituals—whether it’s a religious ceremony, a national holiday, or even a family tradition—we’re reaffirming our identity and our place in the world.
Culture also shapes our worldview—how we interpret the world around us and make sense of our experiences. For example, in cultures that value community and interdependence, people might see success not as an individual achievement but as a collective effort. In contrast, in cultures that prioritize independence, success might be seen as the result of personal initiative and hard work.
But culture does more than just shape our personal identities and worldviews—it also plays a critical role in social cohesion. Shared cultural norms and values help maintain social order by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior. They create a sense of belonging and trust among members of a society, which is essential for cooperation and social harmony. For instance, the cultural norm of queuing up in an orderly fashion ensures fairness and reduces conflicts in public spaces.
Culture in a Globalized World: The Pros and Cons of Cultural Collision
In today’s interconnected world, cultures are constantly interacting with one another. This phenomenon, known as cultural collision or cultural contact, is one of the most significant aspects of globalization. On the one hand, cultural collision can lead to positive outcomes, such as the exchange of ideas, the blending of traditions, and the enrichment of societies.
For example, the popularity of sushi in the United States or the global spread of American pop culture are products of cultural collision. These exchanges can foster greater understanding and appreciation of different ways of life, breaking down stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. The blending of cultures can also lead to innovation and creativity, as people draw on diverse influences to create new forms of art, music, cuisine, and more.
However, cultural collision isn’t without its risks. When cultures come into contact, there’s always the potential for misunderstanding, miscommunication, and even conflict. Cultural differences can lead to clashes over values, norms, and practices, creating tension between groups. For instance, the Western emphasis on individual rights and freedom of speech can sometimes conflict with cultures that prioritize community harmony and respect for authority, leading to debates over issues like censorship and human rights.
Another risk of cultural collision is the potential for cultural homogenization—the fear that globalization will lead to a loss of cultural diversity as dominant cultures overshadow or even erase local traditions. The spread of Western culture, in particular, has raised concerns about the erosion of indigenous languages, customs, and identities. For example, the global dominance of English as a lingua franca has led to the decline of many smaller languages, putting them at risk of extinction.
Moreover, cultural collision can sometimes lead to the commodification of culture, where cultural practices and symbols are commercialized and stripped of their original meaning. This is often seen in the appropriation of indigenous cultures in fashion, music, and other industries, where cultural elements are used for profit without respect for their cultural significance.
Conclusion
Culture is the invisible thread that weaves together the fabric of society, giving us a sense of identity, shaping our worldview, and providing the foundation for social cohesion. It’s formed through a complex interplay of history, geography, and social institutions, and it evolves over time in response to changing circumstances. In our globalized world, cultural collision brings both opportunities and challenges, offering the potential for enrichment and understanding, but also posing risks to cultural diversity and integrity.
As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, it’s more important than ever to recognize the value of culture and to approach cultural interactions with respect and openness. By doing so, we can celebrate the richness of our global cultural tapestry while preserving the unique identities that make our world so diverse.
References
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays. Basic Books.
Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Smith, P. B., Bond, M. H., & Kagitcibasi, C. (2006). Understanding social psychology across cultures: Engaging with others in a changing world. Sage Publications.
Nederveen Pieterse, J. (2009). Globalization and culture: Global mélange (2nd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.