This document introduces the concept of culture in anthropology. It defines culture as a social heritage transmitted between generations, consisting of skills, beliefs, knowledge and products shared by a group. Culture can be material, like tools and clothing, or non-material, like symbols and traditions. All cultures share key characteristics - culture is learned, based on symbols, shared within groups, integrated and patterned, and generally adaptive. Culture provides a means of communication, moral standards, survival skills, and a sense of identity and belonging for its members.

1. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Culture as a Central Concept

2. Culture: Anthropology’s Main Concept Culture is a social heritage, transmitted from one generation to another. It consists of the sum total of skill, beliefs, knowledge and products that are commonly shared by a number of people and transmitted to their children. (Dressler)

3. CLASSIFICATION OF CULTURE Static emphasize in cultural transmission; culture is passed on from generation to generation. Dynamic emphasize in cultural change; it goes thru revision with each generation.

4. FORMS OF CULTURE Material culture – material culture consists of tangible things like houses, clothing, tools and utensils etc. Non-material culture – refers to what is symbolic or intangible. Folkways – traditional ways of doing things Mores – are heavily sanctioned folkways for group survival and are accepted without question as they embody moral views of the group. Customs – means habitual practice Beliefs – means viewpoint, way of life

5. Concept of Culture All cultures have at least five characteristics in common: Culture is learned Culture is based on symbols Culture is shared Culture is patterned or integrated Culture is usually adaptive

6. Culture is Learned All we do, say, or believe is learned. Enculturation: learning the ways of a culture Yanomamo boys learning to hunt by shooting a lizard

7. Culture is Acquired Through Symbols Culture is learned through language Babies learn language from birth: Through language they acquire culture Language is based on symbols Their capacity for language is inherited But not their own language.

8. What is a Symbol? Object or event that is intrinsically unrelated to another thing or event to which it refers.

9. Culture is Shared A group with common language and custom shares a culture They may comprise nation of millions

10. Culture is Patterned/Integrated One aspect of culture reflects other aspects They all fit into a pattern as a whole Examples of integration Extreme example: Teotihuacan’s pyramid (upper) probably weren’t built by tribesmen like these Kawelka But pig feasts did fit in with Kawelka tribal culture. How?

11. Culture is Generally Adaptive Technology generally reflects features of environment Settled communities: usually indicate stable food supply, Such as the Aztec chinampas (raised platforms) Grasslands are best for pastoralism, Such as this Mongolian camp Cultures can become poorly adapted during rapid change

12. FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE Culture makes communication possible by means of a language Culture provides standards for differentiating right and wrong. Culture provides the knowledge and skills needed for survival Culture helps people identify with others and make them feel a sense of belonging.

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