Characteristics of Culture

Defining Characteristics of Culture

• The defining characteristic of culture is that it is learned, not biologically inherited.

Dynamics of Culture

• Culture is considered dynamic because it is constantly changing and adapting to new circumstances.

Basic Characteristics of Culture

• The basic characteristics of culture are that it is learned, shared, and transmitted from one generation to the next.
• The option that is NOT a basic characteristic of culture is biological inheritance.

Symbolic Meaning in Culture

• A symbol is made meaningful in culture through the shared understanding and agreement among its members about its meaning.

Learning Culture

• We primarily learn culture through social interaction and imitation.

Language and Culture

• Language is considered the most important symbolic component of culture because it enables the creation and transmission of cultural knowledge, values, and norms.

Integration of Culture

• The integration of culture implies that all aspects of culture are interconnected and interdependent, and that changes in one aspect can affect others.

Learn about the five basic characteristics of culture: learned, shared, based on symbols, integrated, and dynamic. Understand how culture is passed down, shared among groups, and based on symbolic meanings.