Cultural is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group or category of people, such as language, religion, cuisine, social habits and art. It also includes the ideas and values of that culture, such as belief systems, customs, laws, morals, values, hierarchies, traditions, beliefs and notions of time, space, roles and concepts of the universe.
These ideas, values and practices are passed down through generations and are unique to that culture. They influence how that culture interacts with other cultures. For example, artists and musicians can learn from each other, even if they are of different cultures and separated in space and time. Think about the influence of Japanese prints on Paul Gauguin or African masks on Pablo Picasso, or the way in which Liberian homes reflect the neoclassical style of American plantations.
In addition to sharing traditions and artistic expression, people can gain an understanding of another culture by participating in its events. Attending cultural festivals, for example, provides a firsthand look at the diverse array of activities, art forms and beliefs that make up a culture. This broadens a person’s perspective and helps to foster a sense of community with those who have similar interests.
Many of the most significant events that occur within a culture are celebrations, such as holidays and religious rites. They can help bring a family together and give children a strong sense of connection to their heritage and traditions. They can also provide an opportunity to educate young children about the differences between their own culture and others.
The concept of culture is complex, and there are several definitions. For instance, the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition defines culture as a system of learned patterns that are acquired and transmitted through socialization. This contrasts with instinctive behaviors that are based on physical properties of the human body.
An alternative definition of culture is that it is the cumulative deposit of a society’s experiences and knowledge, including the arts, beliefs, ideas, attitudes, values, hierarchies, laws, customs, morals, relationships and ways of life. It includes the knowledge, values and beliefs that are learned and transmitted through social interaction, which in turn shapes the evolution of a species.
Regardless of how it is defined, the idea of cultural understanding and respect is important for the success of any organization. This is especially true for evaluation professionals, who must understand the diversity of their communities and clients. This is one of the reasons why the International & Cross-Cultural Evaluation Topical Interest Group of the American Evaluation Association exists, to support evaluators interested in exploring and addressing issues around cultural sensitivity in their work. The group also publishes articles on this topic.