Cultural Traits

Komanduri S. Murty & Ashwin G. Vyas

Culture is that complex whole that includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs, and other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society. Culture consists of abstract patterns of and for living and dying. Such abstract patterns are learned directly or indirectly in social interactions of two or more people. In anthropological theory, there is not what could be called closed agreement on the definition of the concept of culture. However, for the present discussion, we want to note three prominent key elements. First, the culture is transmitted. It constitutes a heritage for social tradition. Second, the culture is learned. It is not a manifestation of man's genetic constitution. Third, the culture is shared. It is, on one hand, the product of and, on the other hand, the determination of systems of human social interaction. When talking about a very small bit of culture, anthropologists use the terms trait ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.