What is the Concept of Culture?
The concept of culture has a clear definition of “the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.” (http://dictionary.reference.com/), but the depth of any single culture reflects that of its participants. As social beings, we desire to mingle among other people and have relationships with personal boundaries that are within each individual’s comfort zone. The benefit of commerce, the availability to meet others and have personal relationships, and the social acceptance of norms comes together to create the local culture. Within any culture there also exists sub cultures and popular culture, which consists of people whom agree with the over all cultural structure, but have different views and interests then the majority of the culture.
Around the world, the independent cultures once contained by vast distances between peoples, has begun to merge at the fringes creating an over lap of cultures. Common or shared customs and beliefs that meld with those of others, can create a culture that is greater and more prevalent then both the previous culture. Yet, when the cultures have stark difference it will instigate conflict and rivalry over which is the dominant belief that should define the over all culture. These conflicts can be consuming and incinerate the culture as a whole leaving the society in an archaic state.
Sub Cultures that exist within a culture are the members of a distinctive group that maintain autonomy. These groups can be of a religious nature, a minority ethnic group, even artist and musician are members of the sub culture. While unique to the over all culture the members of these groups need not exist solely within the sub culture, but exist equally in the over all culture of the society. The existence of sub culture and the ability of the over all culture to participate in said sub culture, depends on the values of the society. Some societies forbid sub culture, which forces the sub cultures to become clandestine.
Popular Culture is the accepted contributions to the culture through media and social venues. Music, art, food, fashion, even architectural designs are all a reflection as well as an indication of the current culture and its values. Many argue that the direction of a culture is predictable by the events that are occurring at the time. Usually these are “nay-sayers” who are fearful of the changes that the culture is experiencing. The Popular Culture is ever changing with the generations, different from the over all culture that changes very gradually.
The concept of culture is different for each society, but the structures of the cultures are all the same as the people come and go through time leaving their mark. Slightly changing the previous culture before it is passes on to the next generation to germinate and grow.
