After viewing abstracts of hundreds of definitions of culture I have found that there is no true definition of culture. Scholars and cultural anthropologists all over the world have been trying to capture in words how to describe the roots and being of people from the beginning of the human race. I have begun to compose an eclectic collection of thoughts and ideas gained via articles and books as to what culture is. Since I personally find myself severely lacking in a single culture, I have been trying to identify objectively what exactly would make “my culture” as well.
I found an article online that described my thought process a little more closely than did many others. At http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/16618/106/4 different anthropologists offer general perspectives as to what culture is. I was specifically struck by Geert Hofstede’s comment about culture being psychologically based rather than biologically (scientifically or socially based), however, as we all know psychology reflects both society and biology. I thought it brought an interesting perspective into play when delving into the topic of our minds and understanding the difference between perception and reality. I also liked how this article integrated the description of culture being learned, meaningful, and encompassing of both intellectual and material aspects of any society. I think that this article really touched on explaining that you cannot “textbook define” some things in the world, especially with something as vast and powerful as culture is. The article broke culture down into different elements which describe the combination of different theories’ emphasis on culture. This breakdown I believe is a very conclusive and coherent way to understand the roots of culture a little bit better.
The breakdown for further study in order to conceive the meaning or definition of culture:
Material Culture
Social Institutions
Humans and the Universe
Aesthetics (philosophy concerned with the perception of beauty and ugliness)
Language (317)
