Culture is one of the most fundamental concepts of sociology. It refers to the learned way of life shared by members of a society. It includes beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, knowledge, art, religion, morals, laws, and all other capabilities acquired by individuals as members of society.
Culture distinguishes human society from the animal world and provides identity, continuity, and direction to social life.
Definitions of Culture
E.B. Tylor
“Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.”
Robert Bierstedt
“Culture is the complex whole that consists of all the ways we think and do everything we have as members of society.”
MacIver and Page
“Culture is the expression of our nature in our modes of living and thinking.”
“Culture is the learned and shared way of life of a society, including its beliefs, values, customs, language, traditions, and institutions.”
Characteristics of Culture
1. Learned Behaviour
Culture is not inherited biologically. It is acquired through socialization. Example:
- Language
- Food habits
- Greetings
- Religious practices
2. Shared
Culture belongs to the entire society and is collectively accepted.
3. Social
Culture develops only through interaction among people.
4. Dynamic
Culture is never static. It changes due to:
- Technology
- Education
- Urbanization
- Globalization
- Social reforms
5. Transmitted
Culture passes from one generation to another through:
- Family
- School
- Religion
- Community
- Media
6. Adaptive
Culture changes according to environmental and social conditions. Example:
- Digital payments replacing cash transactions.
7. Integrated
Different parts of culture are interconnected.
- Religion influences festivals ➡️ Festivals influence traditions ➡️ Traditions influence social values.
8. Symbolic
- Language, flags, rituals and religious symbols represent cultural meanings.
Components of Culture
Culture has two major components.
1. Material Culture
Material culture includes physical objects created by society. Examples :
- Houses
- Roads
- Mobile Phones
- Computers
- Temples
- Clothing
- Vehicles
2. Non-Material Culture
Includes intangible aspects. Examples :
- Language
- Customs
- Values
- Religion
- Ethics
- Beliefs
- Traditions
Difference between Material and Non-Material Culture
| Material Culture | Non-Material Culture |
|---|---|
| Tangible | Intangible |
| Physical Objects | Ideas and Beliefs |
| Changes Rapidly | Changes Slowly |
| Technology | Customs |
| Buildings | Values |
Elements of Culture
Every culture consists of:
- Language
- Symbols
- Religion
- Customs
- Traditions
- Beliefs
- Values
- Knowledge
- Art
- Music
- Literature
- Technology
Types of Culture
High Culture
Culture associated with educated elite. Examples :
- Classical Music
- Sanskrit Literature
- Bharatanatyam
Popular Culture
Culture followed by masses. Examples :
- Cricket
- Bollywood
- Television
- Social Media
Folk Culture
Traditional culture preserved by local communities. Examples :
- Tribal Dance
- Folk Songs
- Handicrafts
Tribal Culture
Unique cultural practices of indigenous communities. Example :
- Gond Art
- Baiga Dance
- Bhil Painting
Cultural Processes
Cultural Diffusion
- Spread of culture from one society to another. Example : Yoga becoming popular worldwide.
Cultural Assimilation
- One group gradually adopts another group’s culture.
Cultural Integration
- Different cultures coexist while maintaining harmony. India is an excellent example.
Cultural Pluralism
- Different cultures exist together while preserving their own identities.
Cultural Lag
Ogburn’s Theory
According to William F. Ogburn, “Material culture changes faster than non-material culture”. This gap is called Cultural Lag. Example :
- Technology has advanced rapidly. However,Social attitudes regarding Gender Equality, Digital Ethics, Cyber Crime have changed comparatively slowly.
Relevant Example
Artificial Intelligence has developed rapidly. But laws regarding AI are still evolving. This is an example of Cultural Lag.
Ethnocentrism
Judging another culture according to one’s own cultural standards. Example : Considering one’s own language or customs superior to others.
Cultural Relativism
Understanding another culture according to its own values rather than judging it using one’s own standards. This promotes tolerance and social harmony.
Indian Culture
Indian culture is characterized by –
- Unity in Diversity
- Secularism
- Tolerance
- Pluralism
- Spirituality
- Family Values
- Democratic Traditions
India has successfully preserved cultural diversity while maintaining national unity.
Culture of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is known as the Heart of India because of its rich cultural heritage. Major cultural features include :
- Gond Art
- Bhil Painting
- Tribal Festivals
- Bhagoria Festival
- Khajuraho Dance Festival
- Tansen Music Festival
- Gwalior Gharana
- Handicrafts
- Tribal Folk Music
Importance of Culture
Culture –
- Builds identity
- Promotes social unity
- Preserves heritage
- Guides behaviour
- Encourages cooperation
- Supports national integration
- Promotes sustainable development
Difference between Culture and Society
| Culture | Society |
|---|---|
| Way of life | Group of people |
| Abstract | Concrete |
| Learned Behaviour | Social Relationships |
| Includes Values | Includes Individuals |
Thinker’s Perspective
- William F. Ogburn – Theory of Cultural Lag
- E.B. Tylor – Classical Definition of Culture
- M.N. Srinivas – Concepts like Sanskritization and Westernization explain cultural change in Indian society.
Conclusion
Culture is the foundation of every society. It shapes individual identity, regulates social behaviour, preserves heritage, and promotes social cohesion. In a multicultural country like India, respecting cultural diversity while upholding constitutional values is essential for national integration and inclusive development.
PYQs
Q. Explain the role of cultural diversity in strengthening national integration. (MPPSC 2024)
Discuss the importance of tribal culture in preserving India’s cultural heritage. (CGPSC 2023)
Explain the concept of cultural change with suitable examples. (RAS 2022)
Discuss the impact of globalization on Indian culture. (UPPSC 2023)
MODEL ANSWER
Q. Define Culture. Explain its characteristics and discuss the relevance of cultural diversity in India. (15 Marks)
Culture is the learned and shared way of life of a society. According to E.B. Tylor, “Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society.” It shapes social behaviour and provides identity to individuals and communities.
Culture is learned, shared, social, dynamic, adaptive, integrated, and transmitted from one generation to another. It comprises both material culture (technology, buildings, tools) and non-material culture (beliefs, values, customs, language, and traditions). According to William F. Ogburn, rapid changes in material culture compared to slower changes in non-material culture create cultural lag.
India exemplifies “Unity in Diversity,” where numerous languages, religions, traditions, and tribal cultures coexist harmoniously. The tribal art of the Gonds and Bhils in Madhya Pradesh, along with festivals like Bhagoria and Khajuraho Dance Festival, reflect the richness of India’s cultural heritage. At the same time, globalization and digital technology are reshaping cultural practices, requiring a balance between modernization and preservation.
Culture is the soul of society and a powerful instrument of social integration. Preserving India’s cultural diversity while promoting constitutional values of equality, secularism, fraternity, and respect for diversity is essential for inclusive development and national unity.
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