Culture Basics
What is culture?
The way of life of a group of people
This is a belief or behavior passed down over time
Tradition
This is the spread of ideas, customs, and products
Cultural Diffusion
This country is known for sushi, respect, and bowing
Japan
Is food part of culture?
Yes
Name TWO parts of culture.
Food, language, religion, traditions, clothing, music, etc.
Which term describes how people usually act in a society?
Custom
Explain one negative effect of cultural diffusion
Loss of original culture
This continent has the most cultural diversity
Africa
Why do cultures change over time?
New ideas, interaction, technology
How is culture different from personal habits or behavior?
Culture is shared by a group; habits are individual
An area where people share traits like religion or language
Formal Region
Compare how cultural diffusion worked in the past vs. today
Slower (trade/travel) vs faster (technology)
This country is known for pasta and pizza
Italy
How might climate influence culture?
Affects clothing, food, housing
Explain how geography can shape culture. Give ONE example.
Climate, land, and resources affect food, clothing, housing, jobs (any example)
What is the difference between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism?
One judges, one understands
How has technology changed the speed of cultural diffusion?
Much faster due to internet/media
Why do island nations often develop unique cultures?
Isolation from other groups
What problem can ethnocentrism cause?
Conflict, misunderstanding
What is “invisible culture,” and give TWO examples of it?
What term means an area that shares common characteristics?
Region
What type of diffusion? Tourists visit a country and bring back new foods
Direct Diffusion
Why do languages differ across regions? Give TWO reasons
Isolation, history, migration
Why is cultural relativism difficult to practice?
People naturally compare to their own culture