This is a PPT on culture and identity

1. CULTURE AND IDENTITY

2. Introduction
• Anytime a group of people unites toward a common
objective, a culture begins to form. No matter how
large or small the group, there are beliefs, norms,
values, and behaviors that emerge.
• What makes culture complicated is that many of these
defining characteristics go unspoken. The group
unconsciously develops certain standards for what is
normal and acceptable based on social cues. Then,
through our continual exposure to the group, we begin
to accept these standards as part of our cultural
identity.

3. Contd…
• Our cultural identity influences how we
interpret and react to situations, so it is
important that we become aware of our own
identity in relation to the world around us.
• Since we have an innate craving to feel a sense
of belonging to a group, when we are under
stress we tend to subconsciously revert to
whatever behaviors make us “feel” safe and
accepted.

4. Cultural identities
Important parts of one’s cultural identity are shaped due to his/her
affiliation with any number of groups or cultural patterns, some of
which as a culture assigned to one at birth, such as one’s:
• family of origin/clan
• Varna/caste
• race(s)
• local community
• geography
• gender
• religion
• sexuality
• generation
• physical ability
• Nationality/region
• Language
• ethnicity

5. Contd…
Other contributions to cultural identity as life
unfolds and situation invites to become
involved with many groups including:
• educational institutions
• professional organizations
• social clubs
• online communities/social media friendships
• political or special interest groups
• support groups

6. Understanding culture
• Culture refers to the beliefs, norms, behaviors,
and values that a given group of people deem
acceptable.
• Concept of material and non-material culture:
- Material culture consists of man made objects
- Non-material culture is something that is
internal and intrinsically valuable, reflects the
inward nature of man.

7. Meaning & Definition
• Culture as the cumulative creation of man. Handiwork of
man and the medium through which he achieves his ends-
B.Malinowski
• Culture as an accumulation of thoughts values and objects;
it is the social heritage acquired by us from preceding
generations through learning, as distinguished from the
biological heritage which is passed on to us automatically
through the genes- Grahamwallas
• Culture as that complex whole which includes knowledge,
belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities
and habits acqired by man as a member of society- Edward
B Tylor
• Culture as the body of thoughts and knowledge both
theoretical and practical which only man can possess- E.V.
de Roberty

8. Characteristics of culture
• Culture is learnt
• Culture is social
• Culture is shared
• Culture is transmissive
• Culture is continuous and cumulative
• Culture is consistent and integrated
• Culture is dynamic and adaptive
• Culture is gratifying
• Culture varies from society to society
• Culture is superorganic and ideational

9. Components of Culture
• Culture is the shared characteristics of a group
of people, which encompasses:
- place of birth,
- religion,
- language,
- Food habits/cuisine,
- social behaviors, art, literature, and music.

10. Contd…
• Some cultures are widespread, and have a large
number of people who associate themselves with
those particular values, beliefs, and place of origins.
• Others are relatively small, with only a small number of
people who associate themselves with that culture.
• The value of culture cannot be defined by its size. No
matter if a culture is widespread or kept within a small
region, is young or old, or has changed over time or
stayed the same, every culture can teach us about
ourselves, others, and the world as a whole as we are
now in a global community/village.

11. Identity
• Whereas identity is about knowing what is
acceptable and true for yourself. We form
a cultural identity when we subconsciously
interpret and incorporate signals from the world
around us into our own identity so we can
belong.
• Your cultural identity is a critical piece of your
personal identity (and worldview) that develops
as you absorb, interpret, and adopt (or reject) the
beliefs, values, behaviors, and norms of the
communities in your life.

12. • Our cultural identity can evolve, as culture is ever-
evolving and dynamic. And while there are people who
progress through life without ever thinking about their
cultural identity, it is something we tend to become
aware of when it’s challenged. This typically happens
when we find ourselves in parts of the world or among
groups with different cultural norms.
• Our cultural identity is important because it influences
how we interpret and react to such situations, which
can affect how successful we are in life.