Discovering the World’s Cultural Universals: Examples and Explanation
Culture: the complex whole that encompasses knowledge, beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and art, which are learned and shared by members of a particular society. In this world of diversity, cultures are often perceived to be vastly different from one another. However, several cultural universals exist that are found in virtually every society in the world. These cultural universals provide a glimpse of the similarities that exist between cultures, as they illustrate the commonalities that result from human nature and the need for society to exist harmoniously. In this article, we will explore the concept of cultural universals and delve into examples that exist in today’s world.
What are Cultural Universals?
Cultural universals are traits that characterize all human societies, regardless of the time period or location. These traits are the things that make up the fabric of society and are apparent everywhere, from small, tribal cultures to vast, global ones. Some of these traits include language, music, food, rituals, beliefs, and social hierarchies.
Examples of Cultural Universals
Language and Communication
Language is an essential cultural universal in that it is a medium through which individuals communicate with one another. It is used to express feelings and ideas and is critical in conveying culture from one generation to the next. Every society has a language, and even isolated tribes that have never interacted with other cultures have developed their unique means of communication.
Family Systems
The family unit is another cultural universal that exists in every society in the world. Whether it is a nuclear family consisting of parents and children or an extended family unit that includes grandparents and cousins, households comprised of family members is a fundamental feature of society.
Religion and Beliefs
Religion and belief systems help people understand their place in the world and provide a foundation for moral and ethical practices. Virtually every society has some kind of religious or spiritual system, whether it is monotheistic, polytheistic, or animistic.
Food and Cuisine
Food and cuisine reflect a society’s geography, resources, and traditions. Every culture has its unique cuisine and traditional foods that reflect the country’s cultural heritage and its culinary roots.
Arts and Expression
Arts and expressions are fundamental to every culture, ranging from music and dance to painting and sculpture. Every culture has its unique musical style, and dance or art forms that reflect the rich cultural heritage of a particular society.
Why are Cultural Universals Significant?
Cultural universals are essential because they provide a glimpse into the similarities and common experiences that people share regardless of their individual cultural backgrounds. Moreover, these cultural universals illustrate the adaptability of societies to address basic human needs, ranging from the desire for community to the need for self-expression. Cultural universals unite us and provide a framework for understanding the human experience.
Conclusion
Cultural universals remind us that despite vast cultural differences, there are fundamental similarities that are integral to the human experience. From language and communication to family and belief systems, arts, and expression, these cultural universals provide a glimpse into how societies around the world interact, communicate, and relate to one another. Understanding cultural universals is critical in developing empathy and respect for individuals regardless of their culture or background.
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