This document provides an introduction to cross-cultural comparisons and defining culture. It discusses that culture can refer to both visual arts as well as customs and behaviors. Culture is learned, shared within a group, integrated in patterns, adaptive to environments, and based on symbolism. The document then outlines four levels of sociocultural integration - bands, tribes, chiefdoms, and states - to structure cultural comparisons. It also discusses defining characteristics of cultures like peasants and the importance of fieldwork in studying cultures.

1. Introduction Cross-Cultural Comparison