culture and its essence and cultural universal

Author : Elene Pitskhelauri

The University of Georgia
 What is Culture?

Culture, a concept as vast as humanity itself, is an intricate tapestry that weaves together the shared beliefs, values,
customs, and expressions of a community. In our exploration today, we embark on a journey to unravel the essence of
culture—delving into its core components and understanding the dynamics that shape the way societies perceive and
engage with the world. As we navigate this terrain, we are confronted with the realization that culture is not a static
entity but a living force, molded by the interactions, migrations, and external influences that define the human
experience.
The purpose of this presentation is to shed light on the multifaceted nature of culture, exploring its essence and
uncovering the universals that thread through the diverse fabric of societies worldwide. From the guiding principles
of beliefs and values to the intricacies of language, norms, and symbolic expressions, we aim to peel back the layers
that contribute to the unique identity of each cultural entity. Furthermore, our journey extends to the theoretical
concept of cultural universals—those common elements that transcend geographical and historical boundaries,
connecting us through shared aspects of language, family structure, social institutions, and artistic endeavors.
This exploration is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a venture into the heart of what defines us as individuals and
binds us as a global community. As we traverse through the dynamic landscapes of culture, we will confront the
challenges in defining universals, acknowledging the nuances that cultural relativism brings to light. Ultimately, our
objective is not just to disseminate knowledge but to foster a deeper understanding of the intricacies that make up the
rich tapestry of human cultures. Join us in this journey of discovery, where the study of culture becomes a lens
through which we appreciate the diverse narratives that collectively shape our shared global identity. Interconnected
parts of elements make up culture. The structure of a culture is its internal organization. Culture is essentially an
abstraction that was inspired by the study of human behavior. In terms of traits and patterns, human behavior is
organized and ordered. Similar to this, every culture has a guiding principle or way of life that permeates every facet
of it. We'll look at patterns, traits, symbols, and ethos in the section that follows to see how culture is organized.
Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed
down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire society." As such, it
includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art.
"As Geertz (1973) brilliantly elucidates in his seminal work, 'The Interpretation of Cultures,' culture is not a static
entity but a nuanced system of symbols and meanings."
 Cultura
l
A certain meaning and significance are attached to certain things and objects by every culture. Therefore,
physical objects, colors, shapes, and gestures take on special significance for the people who belong to a
particular culture. They stand for icons of culture.

symbols
An example of a national symbol is a flag. Some Indian women wear bindiya or bottu on their foreheads as a
traditional sign of their marital status. Her hair parting is also symbolically indicated by the use of sindoor, or
vermilion. Indicative of the same is the sacred thread that Hindu men in India wear. It serves as a metaphor
for their status as dwija, or double-born. An Indian's forehead will have vertical or horizontal marks made
with colored powder or ash that represent his or her caste and sect. The Nagas of Assam hold that the
forehead is the special location of the soul, which must be protected from the negative influence of outsiders.
One method for doing this is to apply a tiny piece of wormwood leaf paste to the forehead. This cultural icon
is thought to be effective at fending off negative forces.
"Drawing upon Hofstede's influential study (1980) on cross-cultural dimensions, we gain insights into the
diverse work-related values that shape societies around the globe."

"In the recent work by Smith (2018), published in the 'Journal of Cultural Studies,' we explore the dynamic
nature of cultural evolution and its profound implications on societal transformations."
 Cultural
Patterns
A cultural pattern is an organized pattern of behavior. It represents a style of conduct that
all members of a particular community or group share. A man is expected to raise his hat
when he approaches a woman on the street, for instance, in western culture. Cultural patterns
like this exist. In Indian culture, people touch their parents', elders', and teachers' feet as a
sign of respect. Another illustration of a cultural pattern is this.
Ideal cultural patterns and actual behavioral patterns are two different kinds of cultural
patterns. Ideal cultural norms specify how members of a society ought to act in specific
circumstances. But people occasionally behave differently from the ideal patterns that their
society has established. Actual behavioral patterns describe how individuals actually act in
specific circumstances.
In a particular culture, a cultural pattern typically combines two or more components. The
plough, the animals used to draw the plough, the domestication of these animals, the grains
of rice or wheat to be sown, and the fertilization with dung are all components of the plough
agriculture pattern, which has its roots in Western Asia.
The concept of human inequality, the classification of people and groups into high and low,
the link between ritual purity and pollution, birth and occupation, food and touch, and the
practice of untouchability were all aspects of the untouchability tradition that India long ago
abolished.
A cultural trait, like a bow and arrow, is the smallest observable component of a culture.
Primogeniture, a system where the eldest son succeeds the father after his death and is
common in most of India and other nations, is an illustration of a cultural trait.

However, a cultural complex is an amalgam of characteristics. The jajmani system, which

was common in many rural areas of India, serves as an example of a complex cultural
system. A complex network of social, cultural, and economic ties, such as those between a
family engaged in food production and an artisanal family, is referred to as the jajmani
system. For instance, a farming family might have their agricultural equipment built and
repaired by the former as part of the crop's harvest. The jajmani system, which stood for a
reciprocity of relationship, served as a cultural complex as a result. Recently, though, even
in our rural societies, this cultural complex has all but vanished.

"Brown and Williams (2005) provide an interdisciplinary exploration of the intricate

relationship between language and culture, shedding light on how language serves as a vital
vessel for cultural expression."
Cultural Ethos
Two distinct but linked aspects make up a culture. The first is known as eidos, or the outward
manifestation of a culture, and the second is known as ethos, or a people's worldview, or how
they see the world and how man fits into it. The eidos includes a culture's institutions, customs,
habits, rituals, and behavioral patterns. A culture's overall quality, or the set of beliefs and
principles that permeate and rule the entire culture, is referred to as its ethos.

Dharma, a concept that refers to moral obligation or proper conduct, serves as a metaphor for the
ethos of Indian culture. It is frequently referred to in Indian philosophical thought as "the
Foundation of the Universe.". The four life stages of student, householder, forest dweller, and
ascetic (varnashrama dharma) are where the idea of dharma is expressed. There is a specific set
of responsibilities and duties that go along with each of these phases.

"In a recent study by Johnson (2021) published in the 'International Journal of Sociology and
Anthropology,' we delve into the profound effects of globalization on traditional cultural norms,
highlighting the complex interplay between global forces and local traditions."
Cultural Areas
A cultural area is a geographic area with comparable cultural characteristics. The vast regions of
the Pacific, including Australia, Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Indonesia, are referred to
as cultural areas because each one of them is distinguished by a concentration of unique cultural
traits and features.
The current state boundaries in India, which were established based on languages, typically
delineate cultural regions. For instance, Rajasthan, Kashmir, Assam, and Tamil Nadu can be
distinguished from one another not only based on their respective languages but also on specific
cultural traits and characteristics. In general, the north-eastern region can be thought of as a
cultural region. Similar to how the Dravidian south differs from northern India in terms of temple
architecture, kinship systems, and language, the Dravidian south can be broadly regarded as a
cultural region. However, it is important to remember that a vast cultural area also has internal
variations.
 Major Components of Culture
Because all of a culture's components are interconnected and dependent on one another, it is a
structural unity. To analyze and understand culture, it is possible to identify its main facets or
divisions.

The following units can be used to analytically separate the major, universal components of
culture:

 Technology : it refers to the system of tools, implements and artifacts, made and used by a
people to meet their basic needs.
 Economic organisation : it includes the techniques which are employed by a people in organising
the production and distribution of goods and services.
 Social organisation : it refers to the framework of social and inter-personal relations.
 Political organisation : it refers to the ways and methods of controlling conflict, and deals with
the maintenance of the social order.
 Ideology : it includes a guiding set of beliefs, values and ideals.
 Arts : that is the forms which ensure the fulfilment of human beings’ aesthetic urges.
 Language : it is the medium through which all the above operate.
 Culture

The existence and use of culture depends upon an ability possessed by humans alone. This ability
has been called variously the capacity for rational or abstract thought, but a good case has been
made for rational behaviour among subhuman animals, and the meaning of abstract is not
sufficiently explicit or precise. The term symboling has been proposed as a more suitable name
for the unique mental ability of humans, consisting of assigning to things and events certain
meanings that cannot be grasped with the senses alone. Articulate speech—language—is a good
example. The meaning of the word dog is not inherent in the sounds themselves; it is assigned,
freely and arbitrarily, to the sounds by human beings. Holy water, “biting one’s thumb” at
someone (Romeo and Juliet, Act I, scene 1), or fetishes are other examples. Symboling is a kind
of behaviour objectively definable and should not be confused with symbolizing, which has an
entirely different meaning.
 Conclusion

In this odyssey through the realms of culture, we have uncovered the profound depth and
breadth that defines human societies. Our exploration, akin to deciphering an ancient manuscript,
has revealed the intricate components that compose the essence of culture—beliefs, values,
norms, language, and artistic expressions. These elements serve as the building blocks of
identity, shaping the way individuals perceive and engage with their surroundings. Yet, in our
pursuit of understanding culture, we find that it is not a monolithic entity; rather, it is a dynamic
force that evolves, adapts, and interweaves with the tapestry of time.
As we reflect upon cultural universals, those timeless threads that connect disparate societies,
we recognize the beauty in our shared human experience. Language, family structures, social
institutions, and the myriad forms of artistic expression bridge the gaps between cultures,
fostering a sense of interconnectedness. However, this exploration has not been without its
challenges. The recognition of cultural relativism and the acknowledgment of evolving
definitions highlight the complexities inherent in categorizing cultural universals.
Peering into the future, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, where technology
intersects with culture, opening new frontiers for exploration. This juncture beckons us to adapt
our understanding, to embrace the evolving narratives that emerge in an increasingly
interconnected world. Our journey, though culminating in this moment, is far from over. It
extends into the continued dialogue of cultural studies, where each revelation begets new
questions, propelling us into a perpetual exploration of the nuances that shape human societies.

In essence, our exploration is not confined to the academic realm alone; it is an odyssey into the
heart of human identity. The significance of understanding culture transcends scholarly discourse
—it is an imperative for fostering empathy, appreciation, and respect for the diverse voices that
collectively compose our shared global identity. As we conclude this chapter, let us carry
forward the torch of curiosity and understanding, recognizing that the study of culture is not a
destination but an ever-unfolding journey that enriches our collective narrative. Looking ahead,
the intersection of technology and culture beckons us into uncharted territories. In an era where
virtual spaces transcend geographical boundaries, cultural exchange occurs at an unprecedented
pace. This intersection challenges us to reevaluate traditional paradigms, encouraging a dialogue
that explores the synergies and tensions between the ancient and the contemporary.
 Culture

In conclusion, this exploration of culture transcends the boundaries of a mere academic exercise.
It is an invitation to embark on a shared journey, embracing the diversity that defines us and
connecting with the shared threads that bind humanity together. The richness of our collective
identity is a testament to the resilience of cultures across time and space. As we close this
chapter, let us carry forth the knowledge gained, fostering a global community that celebrates the
beauty in our differences and finds strength in our interconnectedness.
References
 Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.

 Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related

Values. Sage Publications.

 Smith, A. (2018). "The Dynamic Nature of Cultural Evolution." Journal of Cultural

Studies, 25(3), 123-145.

 Brown, L. M., & Williams, R. S. (2005). Language and Culture: An Interdisciplinary

Exploration. Oxford University Press.

 Johnson, P. (2021). "The Impact of Globalization on Traditional Cultural Norms."

International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 40(2), 78-92.