Culture is a collection of beliefs, social behavior, institutions, and norms. It also encompasses the arts, laws, customs, and capabilities of a community. A culture often has its origins in a specific geographic region or country. It can vary widely from one group to another but has some characteristics in common.
The physical aspects of culture are the objects and places that people use to live in their communities. However, there are also intangible elements of culture that cannot be seen or touched. These include beliefs, morals, and values. These can influence behavior in a social group and individual. They can also influence economic and physical well-being.
The term culture derives from the Latin word colere, which means “to tend to the earth.” It is related to the meaning of “cultivate,” which refers to actively fostering growth. The word was first used in an English-speaking context by Edward Tylor. Its definition subsequently influenced the definition of “culture” today.
Throughout history, people have been divided into many groups and cultures based on their beliefs and values. Some groups are more tolerant of differences than others. Moreover, a culture can have multiple levels, and each level can have its own distinctiveness. For example, cultures with strong in-groups may value social interdependence over individual harmony.
Cultural studies is an academic discipline that focuses on the way culture manifests itself in society. Sociologist Georg Simmel defined culture as the cultivation of individuals through external forms, such as language and art. Other definitions include a society’s values, ways of thinking and acting, and material objects. For this reason, the study of culture is also known as sociology of culture.
The Western culture has widespread influences on other cultures. It has strong ties with the Middle East and Northwest Africa. While Western culture has influenced almost every country in the world, the Eastern culture is much different. This region also has a wide range of ethnic groups. For example, Nigeria is home to more than 300 different tribes. Furthermore, East Africa has been a vital trade route between the West and East, resulting in complex urban centers along the east coast of the continent.
Cultures can also differ in sexual norms. While demo slot some cultures value sexuality as a healthy activity, others do not. For example, in East Africa, the Gusii, a group of people, consider sexually active women as deviants. Some cultures keep their clothes on during bathing. Similarly, people on the island of Inis Beag remain clad while bathing.
The study of culture is an important part of research on human psychology. It aims to understand how culture influences human behavior and how it affects different psychological responses.