Aim: How is Culture

Developed?

“Cultural differences should not

separate us from each other, but

rather cultural diversity brings a

collective strength that can benefit all

of humanity.”

What is Culture?

Culture refers to the characteristics of a

particular group of people, defined by

everything from language, religion,

cuisine, dress, social habits, music and

arts.

Why is Culture Important?● It enables its members to function with

one another ● Culture is learned and forgotten, so it

must be preserved in order to be remembered

● It can both help and hinder our ability to understand and work effectively together.

How is Geography & Culture

connected?

Geographic isolation

severely limits

opportunities for cultural

diffusion, so that a society

that is isolated may

maintain its traditional

ways.

Geographic isolation of a people frequently

reinforces a traditional way of life

West Africa

Japan

Mongolia

India

Religion:

What is a Traditional Society?

● relationships (connections) among people are most important:o immediate family, extended family, clan and

tribe.● Everyone lives nearby● economic opportunities are limited● SUBSISTENCE FARMING- Most people only

farm enough for themselves & their families

Why Culture is sometimes referred to as “a

blueprint for living”?

...because Culture is

comprised (made up)of

all the things that make

up daily life in an area.

Women carrying water in India

Our cultural relationship with water...

PLENTIFUL

SCARCE (not enough)

Cultural DiffusionThe spreading of ideas

through contact such as

trade, migration, or war.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:Which statement cites an example of cultural

diffusion?

1. Venezuela has large reserves of oil

2. young people dance to rock music in Russia

3. students in China learn calligraphy in school

4. the Caste system is an important part of life in

India

In most traditional societies, the teaching of

values is mainly the responsibility of the

1. judicial system

2. government

3. educational system

4. family

The study of culture primarily involves

1. observing the physical environment of people

2. learning why various peoples live as they do

3. understanding the technology of modern

machinery

4. analyzing the personalities of children in the

same family

Culture is sometimes referred to as “a blueprint

for living” because it

1. flourished best in traditional societies

2. includes all the things that contribute to a

society’s development

3. is determined by genetics

4. determines the types of jobs offered to the

members of a society