MODULE 5

Culture
Culture is one of the most important concepts in social sciences. It is a
unique position of man and an inevitable part of society. The study of
society or any aspect of it becomes incomplete without a proper
understanding of the culture of the society.

Culture and society go together, they are inseparable.

Culture is a very broad term that includes all our walks of life, modes of
behaviour, morals, manners, philosophies, ethics, customs, traditions etc.

A culture is an organised group of learn responses, characteristics of a

particular society. Society is a group of individuals who interact and share
a common culture through culture. The members of society experience
their lives.

Characteristics of culture:

1. Culture is social-culture does not exist in isolation. It is not an

individual phenomenon. It is a product of society. Culture originates
and develops through social interactions. It is shared by members of
society. No man can acquire culture without association with other
human beings. Culture cannot exist without society.
2. Culture is learned- culture is not an inbound tendency and not
inherited biologically, but it is learnt socially by men. Culture is often
called learned ways of behaviour. Man born with certain biological
needs like food and shelter. Then he becomes a cultural being
through social interaction and family and other secondary groups he
acquires culture.
3. Culture is shared- culture is a shared quality. Culture is not
growing without sharing. An individual alone can possess the
culture, knowledge, beliefs, values, morals practises, et cetera, are
shared from society to society.
4. Culture is transmissive- culture is not brought by man when he
born. Man born in a society with already culture exist, which is
transmitted from one generation to another. Cultural traits and
practises are transmitted from grandparents to parents, then to
their children
 5. Culture is consistent and integrated- sometimes externally, we
feel certain cultural practises have have no meaning or no logical
contradiction, but culture is integrated with other aspects like
religion, morality, custom, and traditions
6. Culture is dynamic and adaptive- the culture is relatively stable.
It is not all together static. Culture is subject to slow, but constant
changes. Culture is responsive to the changing conditions of the
physical world. So culture is adaptive.
7. Culture varies from society to society- culture is found in all
society but culture varies from society to society.
8. Culture is symbolic- a symbol is something on which some value
is bestowed by us, or it has a meaning. The meaning of symbols is a
matter of cultural intervention.
9. Culture is continuous or cumulative- culture occurs as a
constant progression. The traditions, customs, values, rituals, and
ceremonies, and others grow into part of a culture with the passage
of time.

Types of culture

1. Material culture- a material culture refers to the physical objects,

resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. it is
associated with physical or tangible objects made by man. All of
these physical features of a culture helps to describe its members,
actions and observations.
A material culture also talks about the connection among objects
and social relations.
2. non-material culture-non-material culture refers to the non-
physical ideas that individuals have of their culture and
surroundings. It means something is invisible and untouchable,
which people can feel, but can’t see.
It includes beliefs, feelings, moral values, religion, language,
traditions, and others. These philosophies and regulate how the
culture response to its serious religious aspects, societal issues,
program, functions, and events.

Elements of culture

1. Language
Language is the most important element of culture. The essence of
a culture is reflected in the language which facilitates day-to-day
interaction. With other people. The use of language distinguishes
human being from other species. it is instrumental in the
 transmission of cultural tradition from one generation to another,
and it is infused with meaning, language and culture are
entertained.
2. Belief
Believe the statement the idea about reality, which people accept as
true. For example, many people in India, believe in God and many
auspicious occasions, love marriage are scheduled on the basis of
auspicious date.
But beliefs are not static and are subject to change over time. We
may be practising a certain belief but by coming in contact with
other cultures, we may change our belief.
3. Norms
Norms are the prescribed brow of society, which guide the
behaviour of the members of the society. They vary from society to
society.
Norms can be both formal and informal. Formal norms written down
and attract punishment when violated. Informal norms are not
formally written down, but are generally accepted.
Norms are classified into folkways, mores and laws.
4. Values
Values are the general guidelines regarding the conducting society,
unlike norms which provide specific conduct. They are generalised
and goals that define what is good or bad, ugly, or beautiful. Values
are the way people conduct themselves and society. It reflect the
orientation of individuals groups towards achieving essential goals
of society. Different cultures have different value system.
5. Sanctions
sanctions are penalty and rewards for social conduct of a person.
Sanctions can be both positive and negative. Conformity to a norm
prescribe positive sanctions like rewards,praises. On the other hand
violation of a norm attracts negative sanctions like fines and
imprisonment.
Norms and sanction in a culture reflects.

Civilisation
Civilisation is a complex, society or culture group characterised by
dependence on agriculture, long distance trade, state form of
government, occupational specialisation, urbanism and class stratification.

Along with this core elements, civilisation is often marked by combination

of a number of secondary elements, including a transportation system,
writing, standard of measurement, formal legal system etc.
Civilisation is an advanced state of intellectual, cultural and material
development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and
sciences ,that extensive use of record keeping , including writing and
appearance, complex, political and social institutions.

Some total of all progressed by man in every sphere of action from every
point of view so far as the progress helps towards the spiritual perfection
of individuals.

Key traits of civilisation

 Advanced city-birthplaces of civilisations

 Specialised workers-growth of city require more skilled workers
 Complex institutions-leaders wants to maintain the order among
people
 Record-keeping-record maintenance is significant in a complex
economy
 Improved technology-problem, solving provision techniques for a
new emerging economy

Culture versus civilisation

 Civilisation is a bigger unit than culture because it is a complex of

the society that dwells within a certain area along with each form of
government norms and even culture.
 Culture is perennial and has impact on humanity as a whole.
Civilisation is synchronous and keeps pace with the present.
 A culture ordinarily exist within a civilisation. In this regard, each
civilisation can contain not only one but several cultures.
 Culture can exist in itself where as civilisation cannot be called
civilisation if it does not certain culture. hence, a civilisation will
become empty if it does not have its culture, no matter how little it
is.
 Culture can be something that is tangible, and it can be something
that isn’t. But civilisation is something that can be seen as a whole
and it is more and less tangible, though it’s basic component like
culture can be immaterial.
 The culture was developed earlier than civilisation.
 Culture transports from one generation to generation, and this
cannot be said to be advanced, but civilisation is always evolving.
 There are no standards for measuring culture, but civilisation has an
abstract measurement standard.
  Culture is a civilisation whereas civilisation combines various
cultures.

Relation between culture and civilisation

 Culture is a part of civilisation. The community diverse cultures act

as a fragment to form a civilisation. culture and civilisation are
associated with each other in that culture is a precondition for
developing civilisation and civilisation represents a platform for
cultural advancement. Both are contingent and change in either
leads to variation in the other.
 Culture and civilisation require some medium of expression like
society though tangible or intangible. there is a need for meals to
demonstrate their existence. it can also be through actions
preferences behaviour.
 the culture and civilisation of any nation or society define the people
living there. it helps other people to know them based on where
they come from.
 Cultures and civilisations are not essentials floating in the air but
directly rooted in well established geographical and cultural codes.
 Cultures there to are products of civilisations and their levels of
achievement and sophistications are the functions of the
achievements of the civilisation to which they belong. advanced
civilisation produce refined cultures and refined cultures reflect the
achievements of advanced civilisation.
 All civilisations, regardless of their time, duration, and comparative
level of achievement have produced refined cultures in the form of
art, literature, architecture, values and belief systems.
 Cultures being products and attributes of civilisation, their
developments have to follow that of their Mother civilisation. after a
particular civilisation is fully developed its cultural components
assume an active role in shaping the direction indent and
influencing the pace of change in society.
 Culture is particular and portable but civilisation is global and non
transferable, the first is communal and largely national, the second
is universal. Bing an attribute of civilisation every culture owes its
existence and basic trades to the civilisation that produce state and
not to any other civilisation. this means that when a civilisation
changes the cultural component of that particular civilisation
changes as well.

Pluralism
Pluralism in sociology refers to a perspective that emphasises diversity
and the coexistence of multiple groups, belief, and identities within a
society. It acknowledges that societies are composed of various distinct
social groups that interact and share power in different ways.

Key features of pluralism

1. Diversity
A pluralistic society includes diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and
social groups. These groups maintain their unique identities by
coexisting within the broad social framework.
2. Power sharing
Pluralism often involves the sharing of power and resources among
groups. it rejects the dominance of a single group over the others
advocating for equitable participation in decision making.
3. Tolerance and acceptance
Encourages acceptance and tolerance of different lifestyles, beliefs,
and opinions. Acknowledge the legitimacy of multiple perspective.
4. Conflict and consensus
While conflicts may arise due to differences, pluralism, emphasises
negotiation and consensus building.
Social harmony is achieved through mutual respect and Corporation.

Types of pluralism

1. Cultural pluralism
Focuses on the coexistence of different cultures and the
preservation of cultural diversity. Example: multiculturalism in
countries like Canada or Australia.
2. Political pluralism
Refers to the distribution of political power among various interest
groups. Example: a democratic system with multiple political parties
and lobbying groups.
3. Religious pluralism
Emphasises freedom of religion and coexistence of multiple religious
beliefs. Example: secular states like India, where different religions
are practised.
4. Structural pluralism
Refers to the existence of separate institutions or organisations for
different groups within society. Example: ethnic or religious schools
in a community.

Theoretical perspectives on pluralism

 1. Functionalist perspective
Views pluralism as essential for the stability of society.
Diversity contributes to social cohesion and integration by fulfilling
various social functions.
2. Conflict perspective
Highlights power struggle among diverse group.
Argues that pluralism may mask systematic inequalities and
exploitation.
3. Symbolic interactionism
Focuses on the micro level interactions between diverse groups.
Examine how individuals negotiate their identities in a pluralistic
society.

Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is a social logical concept that explores how diverse
cultural ethnic and religious groups coexist within a society. It emphasises
inclusion, mutual respect, and the equitable recognition of different
cultural identities.

Multiculturalism refers to a social framework or ideology that recognises

values and promotes cultural diversity. It advocates for the existence of
various cultural groups while maintaining their unique identities and
contributing to the larger society.

Key features of multiculturalism

1. Cultural diversity
Acknowledges and celebrates the presence of various cultural,
ethnic and religious groups.
Diversity is seen as a strength and asset for society.
2. Equality and inclusion
All cultural groups are treated equally and are given opportunities to
participate fully in society.
Focus on combating discrimination and ensuring social justice.
3. Integration
Encourages integration where individuals retain their cultural
identities while being part of the broader society.
Reject assimilation, which demands minority groups conform to the
dominant culture.
4. Mutual respect and tolerance
 Promotes understanding and respect among different groups to
foster social harmony.
5. Cultural preservation
Support the preservation and continuation of a distinct cultural
tradition and practice.

Types of multiculturalism

1. Descriptive multiculturalism
Refers to the actual demographic composition of a society with
diverse cultural groups.
2. Normative multiculturalism
Advocate for the adoption of policies and practises that protect and
promote cultural diversity.
3. structural multiculturalism
focuses on integrating cultural diversity into soil institutions
(example: education, government, and media)

Theoretical perspective on multiculturalism

1. Functionalist perspective
Views multiculturalism as contributing to social cohesion and
stability by harnessing the strengths of diverse group. Cultural
diversity is seen as beneficial for innovation and problem solving.
2. Conflict perspective
emphasises power struggles between dominant and minority group.
Critique multiculturalism for perpetuating inequality under the guise
of inclusion.
3. symbolic interactionism
Examine how individuals and groups create, negotiate and express
their culture identities in daily interactions.

Cultural relativism
Cultural relativism is a key concept in sociology and anthropology,
emphasising the importance of understanding, cultural practises, values,
and beliefs within their own cultural context. It challenges, ethnocentric
perspective and fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity.

Cultural relativism is the principle that cultural norms practises and value
should be understood and evaluated within their specific cultural context
rather than judged by the standards of another culture. It emphasises that
no culture is inherently superior or inferior.

Key features

1. Contextual understanding
Cultures are viewed as systems with their own internal logic and
coherence.
Practices and beliefs make sense within their specific culture and
historical context.
2. Rejection of ethnocentrism
Opposes the tendency to evaluate other cultures based on the value
of one’s own. Encourages a nonjudgemental approach to cultural
differences.
3. Respect for diversity
Promotes tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity. It
acknowledge that what is considered normal or moral varies across
culture.

4. Nonjudgemental approach
Avoid imposing external moral or social norms on a culture.

Importance in sociology

1. Promotes cultural understanding

Encouraged sociologist to approach studies with objectivity and
avoid bias.
Helps in analysing diverse societies in a globalised world.
2. Challenges assumptions
Questions, the universality of practices and beliefs
Broaden’s perspective on what is considered normal
3. Multiculturalism
Support, coexistence and appreciation of different cultural traditions
in diverse societies

Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism

Values all cultures equally. judges cultures by one’s own
norms.
promotes understanding . Creates stereotypes and
prejudice .
Avoid moral judgements. imposes moral judgements.
Difference between pluralism and multiculturalism
Aspect Pluralism Multiculturalism
Definition Coexistence of Recognition
different groups with celebration and
equal participation in encouragement of
societal structures . cultural diversity
within society .
Focus Political, social, and Cultural identity and
institutional expression .
participation.
Approach to Encourages groups to Promote the
diversity maintain their distinct celebration of different
identities, but interact cultures and allows
and share power . cultural expression
without forcing
assimilation.
Goal Balance and Inclusion and
coexistence through recognition of various
power-sharing cultures.
Cultural integration Require some level of Encourages retention
integration and of cultural
collaboration among distinctiveness.
groups.
Social interaction Promotes interaction Aims for tolerance and
and dialogue between understanding without
diverse groups. requiring interaction or
assimilation.
Political implication Focuses on political Focuses on legal and
equality and power cultural recognition of
distribution. diverse groups.
Examples political systems Policy supporting
where multiple groups bilingual, education,
can exist with equal cultural festivals, and
rights. affirmative action.
Unity Seek unity through Seek unity through
mutual Respect and respect for cultural
Cooperation. differences.