Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people. It encompasses social habits, language, cuisine, religion, cuisine, music and the arts.
Culture is someone's way of life:
Who are we
How we live
How we work
This information provides insight into values and norms as well as society in general.
Culture is the way we learn to look at the world and how we function in it. Our culture is taught to us by our families, friends and communities. From these people, we learn:
What foods to eat
Types of clothes to wear
What kinds of houses to build
How to communicate
How to behave
How we are educated
Where we work
Tools we use
What is considered recreation and fun
Cultures can be defined in many different ways: by region, nationality, religion, and race, to name just a few.
Most people are a part of more than one culture. If you are living in the United States, you are a part of the American culture. But there are many other co-cultures living here as well. A co-culture is a culture that is different from the predominant culture. An example would be: the American culture is the predominant culture in the United States and the native American culture is a co-culture.
Culture often defines members of a group. Cultural preferences aren't entirely personal, nor are they universally acknowledged. For example, just because some Italians eat pasta doesn't mean they all do.
Culture is learned. Groups and communities have norms that are passed down generation to generation via elders, teachers, experiences and society. People acquire behaviors, values and assumptions from what they have seen and learned from family, friends and leaders.
Attitudes and behaviors are influenced by culture. Beliefs and social behaviors are developed over time and continued. Culture lets a person know what is and is not acceptable. It also influences the way things are done and what defines the norms. Culture can also affect norms. For example, a culture that turns from traditional practices and becomes disruptive can influence a future of disruptive actions. Over time, disruptive actions would become the new norm of the culture.
