Chapter 1: Culture
2. What is Culture?
Since many centuries, culture has been seen as artificially created by man in distinction to nature.
A distinction that is still meaningful and necessary today.
Culture shows itself in history, politics, economy, fine arts, architecture, customs and in the languages of a country or a region.
Today, culture is also defined as the particular way a group of people organize their lives, solve problems or make decisions.
However people are not only influenced by the national culture, but also by social class, age, sex, company affiliation, etc..
Therefore each person simultaneously belongs to a long list of various cultural groups and categories.
Culture shows itself in history, politics, economy, fine arts, architecture, customs and in the languages of a country or a region.
Today, culture is also defined as the particular way a group of people organize their lives, solve problems or make decisions.
However people are not only influenced by the national culture, but also by social class, age, sex, company affiliation, etc..
Therefore each person simultaneously belongs to a long list of various cultural groups and categories.
Culture is understood as a dynamic entity. Nowadays there is an increasing interconnection and interpenetration of different cultures in the urban world.
People deal with similar problems and needs. But the way problems are solved or needs are met is different. People and organizations cannot be understood without considering the meaning they give to their environment. According to ethnologist Clifford Geertz, culture is the pattern of meaning-making within which people interpret their experiences and guide their actions. The clash of different cultural patterns can lead to misunderstandings and stumbling blocks in mutual understanding. Culture is subject to processes of change: It is possible for people to change behaviors or adapt to different norms and rules relatively quickly. However, the underlying values and beliefs are difficult to abandon. Consequently, values and role ideals often lag behind the real world.
People deal with similar problems and needs. But the way problems are solved or needs are met is different. People and organizations cannot be understood without considering the meaning they give to their environment. According to ethnologist Clifford Geertz, culture is the pattern of meaning-making within which people interpret their experiences and guide their actions. The clash of different cultural patterns can lead to misunderstandings and stumbling blocks in mutual understanding. Culture is subject to processes of change: It is possible for people to change behaviors or adapt to different norms and rules relatively quickly. However, the underlying values and beliefs are difficult to abandon. Consequently, values and role ideals often lag behind the real world.
(See also: Berninghausen, 2012).
Figure: Based on Luthans, 1995