The Cultural Self
What is Culture?
Culture is the sum total of human creations-intellectual, technical, artistic, physical and
moral. Culture interprets our surroundings, gives them meaning and allows us to
express ourselves. Language, religion, science, art, notions of right and wrong, and
explanations of the meaning of life are all parts of culture. It is also includes the various
materials and objects that people learn to use.
https://www.123rf.com/photo_29336011_stock-vector-group-of-southeast-asia-people-
with-different-race-and-culture-in-cute-cartoon-illustration-design-r.html (Links to an
external site.)
What are the components of Culture?
Culture is made up of many elements which are interrelated and unified in order for all
its aspects to function effectively. Our cultural box has two major aspects: the material
and nonmaterial culture.
Material culture - Refers to the concrete and tangible objects that humans create, use,
share, serving as buffers against the various elements in the environment.
Nonmaterial culture - Consists of knowledge, social norms, beliefs and sanctions
which are abstract and intangible creations that influence human behavior.
Knowledge - The total range of what has been learned or perceived as true. This body
of information is accumulated through experience, study or investigation. Culture
includes natural, supernatural, technical (technological) and magical knowledge.
Social Norms - Norms are rules or group expectations of how one should behave or
act in certain situations. They define what behavior is required, acceptable, or
What is Culture?
Culture is the sum total of human creations-intellectual, technical, artistic, physical and
moral. Culture interprets our surroundings, gives them meaning and allows us to
express ourselves. Language, religion, science, art, notions of right and wrong, and
explanations of the meaning of life are all parts of culture. It is also includes the various
materials and objects that people learn to use.
https://www.123rf.com/photo_29336011_stock-vector-group-of-southeast-asia-people-
with-different-race-and-culture-in-cute-cartoon-illustration-design-r.html (Links to an
external site.)
What are the components of Culture?
Culture is made up of many elements which are interrelated and unified in order for all
its aspects to function effectively. Our cultural box has two major aspects: the material
and nonmaterial culture.
Material culture - Refers to the concrete and tangible objects that humans create, use,
share, serving as buffers against the various elements in the environment.
Nonmaterial culture - Consists of knowledge, social norms, beliefs and sanctions
which are abstract and intangible creations that influence human behavior.
Knowledge - The total range of what has been learned or perceived as true. This body
of information is accumulated through experience, study or investigation. Culture
includes natural, supernatural, technical (technological) and magical knowledge.
Social Norms - Norms are rules or group expectations of how one should behave or
act in certain situations. They define what behavior is required, acceptable, or
