Foundations of Education

2. Culture is defined as the symbols, language,
beliefs, values, and artifacts that are part of
any society. As this definition suggests, there
are two basic components of culture: ideas
and symbols and artifacts (material objects).

3. The first type, called nonmaterial culture,
includes the values, beliefs, symbols, and
language that define a society. The second
type, called material culture, includes all the
society’s physical objects, such as its tools and
technology, clothing, eating utensils, and
means of transportation. These elements of
culture are discussed next.

4. Elements of Culture
It is a primary means used to transmit information
and ideas. Knowledge of local language can help
because:
- It permits a clearer understanding of the
situation.
- It provides direct access to local people.
- Understanding of implied meanings.
Language

5. Elements of Culture
• Every culture is filled with symbols, of things that
stand for something else and that often suggests
various reactions and emotions.
• Some symbols are actually types of nonverbal
communication, while other symbols are in fact
material objects.
Symbols

6. Elements of Culture
• Values are abstract concepts of what is important
and worthwhile.
• Values involves judgment of what is good or bad,
right or wrong, desirable or undesirable.
• Values determine how individuals will probably
respond in any given circumstances
Values

7. Elements of Culture
• A norm is an idea in the minds of the members of
a group put into a statement specifying what
members of the group should do, ought to do, or
are expected to do under circumstances.
• Norms are usually in the form of rules, standards,
or prescriptions and socially shared expectations.
Norms

8. Elements of Culture
• Norms are often divided into two types:
Formal norms, also called mores and laws, refer
to the standards of behavior considered the most
important in any society.
Informal norms, also called folkways and
customs, refer to standards of behavior that are
considered less important but still influence how
we behave.

9. Formal Norms: Laws
• They are formalized norms, enacted by people
who are vested with governmental power and
enforced by political and legal authorities
designated by the government.

10. Formal Norms: Mores
• They are special folkways which are important to
the welfare of the people and their cherished
values.
• They are based on ethical and moral values which
are strongly held and emphasized.
• Each society demands obedience to its mores
(violation can lead to severe penalties)

11. Informal Norms: Folkways
• They are commonly known as the customs,
traditions, and conventions of a society.
• They are the general rules, customary and
habitual ways and patterns of expected behavior
within the society where it is followed, without
much thought given to the matter.

12. Elements of Culture
• They embody people’s perception of reality and
include the primitive ideas of the universe as well
as the scientist’s empirical view of the world.
They result from one’s experiences about the
physical, biological, and social world in which the
individual lives.
Beliefs

13. Changing Norms and Belief
Our examples show that different cultures have
different norms, even if they share other types
of practices and beliefs. It is also true that
norms change over time within a given culture.
Culture shapes and guides people’s
perception of reality.

14. Culture determines….
• Food we eat
• Clothing
• Music
• Games we play
• How to express emotions
• What is good or bad
• What is high or low culture (if any)

15. Thank You
and
Be Safe Always!