Transcript Culture Notes

CULTURE
Human Behavior
The first step
towards
Self-discovery
What is Self-Discovery?

Self-Discovery is the process of
getting to know yourself as a person—
the person within yourself.

It is too difficult to understand and know
other people if you are unaware of who
you are as a person and what makes you
the unique person you are.
So what is the first step……….

Self-discovery begins for a person when
they ask the question: Why Am I Who I
Am?
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Typically in adolescence, the quest for
“identity” is a priority.
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By exploring our identity, we not only
develop an understanding of
ourselves, but we begin to
understand others.
CULTURE…the first step

Culture is one of the biggest influences on a
person. Our culture begins when we are
born and continues to develop throughout
our lifetime.
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It is an integrated pattern of human behavior
that includes thoughts, communications,
languages, practices, beliefs, values, customs,
courtesies, rituals, manners of interacting and
roles, relationships and expected behaviors of a
racial, ethnic, religious or social group
It is IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
We All Have Culture
 Whether
it is
Ethnic
 Age-Group
 Sexual
Orientation
 School
 Peers
 Hobbies
 Etc.

What do you consider
to be your “culture”?

Can you think of a
song or movie that
depicts your culture?

What makes up culture?
*has to do with values & beliefs
*involves customs & traditions
*is collective (shared by a group of people)
*everyone has one
*is learned
*influences & shapes behaviors (& attitudes)
*transmitted from generation
to generation
*often unconscious
(we aren’t aware of it)
*people in all cultures have
common needs
Let’s Define Culture
(Based on the elements we just discussed!)
 Culture is a system of beliefs, values,
and assumptions about life that guide
behavior and are shared by a group of
people. It includes customs, language,
and material artifacts. These are
transmitted from generation to
generation.
All Cultures Share (Similarities)

This is what makes culture “universal”

Meet basic needs of its members
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Food
Protection from nature (shelter, clothing)
Transportation
Communication/Language
Family System & Reproduction
Protection System (from others)
Artistic Expression (music, dance,
art, etc.)
Belief System
All Cultures Share (Similarities)

This is what makes culture “universal”
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System of Order
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Method of settling differences
Who has power/responsibility
Leadership (King, Sultan, Chief, Prime Minister, etc.)
Law-Making Procedure (who, how, when enforced)
All Cultures Share (Similarities)
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This is what makes culture “universal”
 Teaches culture to younger generations
and helps members pass through the life
cycle
Christening
 Puberty
 Life passage rituals
 Marriage
 Death

How has your culture been taught to you?
What special events does your culture celebrate
to mark new places in your life cycle?
QUESTION
What are the 3 things that
make culture universal?
Meet basic needs of members
 System of Order
 Teaches younger members culture

How Cultures are Unique
Styles
 Norms
 Attitudes
 Customs
 Daily Routines
 Patterns
 Values
 Gestures
 Etiquette/Protocol

Cultural Uniqueness
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Influenced by:
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Location of ancestors (terrain, weather, etc.)
Economic conditions
Knowledge
Art
Technology
Traditions
History
Understanding YOUR Culture

In your group, I want you to identify ONE
CULTURAL GROUP everyone in your group
belongs to. What are 5 characteristics of
that group?
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Next, we are going to make a culture
quad!