2.1 What Is Culture?

     Culture consists of (1) relatively specialized elements of the lifestyle of a group of people (2) that are passed on from one generation to the next through communication, not through genes.

1. Included in a social group’s “culture” is everything that members of that group have produced and developed—their values, beliefs, artifacts, and language; their ways of behaving and ways of thinking; their art, laws, religion, and, of course, communication theories, styles, and attitudes.
2. Culture is passed on from one generation to the next through communication, not through genes. Thus, the term culture does not refer to color of skin or shape of eyes, as these are passed on through genes, not communication. But because members of a particular race or country are often taught similar beliefs, attitudes, and values, it’s possible to speak of “Hispanic culture” or “African American culture.” It’s important to realize, however, that within any large group—especially a group based on race or nationality—there will be enormous differences. The Kansas farmer and the Wall Street executive may both be, say, German American, but may differ widely in their attitudes, beliefs, and lifestyles. In some ways the Kansas farmer may be closer in attitudes and values to a Chinese farmer than to the New York financier.

     An interesting perspective on culture can be gained by looking at some of the popular metaphors for culture; seven of these are identified in Table 2.1.