Understanding societies means trying to look through them as an outsider to gain meaningful insight. While it might seem a daunting task on the surface, it is possible after all. By learning some of the cultural universals that define societies, one can unravel their history, values, and social order. In this article, we explore the importance of 3 cultural universals that will be pivotal for a better understanding of societies.
1. Language: The Basis of Communication
Every society has its distinct language, and it is an essential tool for communication. Language helps people interact and express their ideas, thoughts, and emotions. As we all know, language is a blend of spoken and written symbols that people use to communicate with each other. Most importantly, it plays a significant role in shaping a society’s culture, traditions, values, and beliefs.
For example, the Japanese language is known for its complex and elaborate honorifics that reflect their respect for hierarchy and seniority in their society. Any language can have a direct impact on the social order of a society. Therefore, understanding a society’s language is crucial to understand their values, beliefs, and social behavior.
2. Social Organization: The Arrangement of People
Social organizations refer to the various structures that humans create to organize themselves. It includes the family, governments, religious institutions, and educational institutions that shape the society’s structure. Social organization is necessary to establish order, maintain social control, and regulate human behavior.
For instance, in India, the caste system has been in existence for centuries, and it has regulated people’s social order. In this system, people are divided based on their birth, occupation, and social status. The caste system has been used to assign social, economic, and political roles to different communities in society.
3. Art and Aesthetics: The Expression of Culture
Art and aesthetics are a crucial facet of any culture. It is a medium used to express a society’s aspirations, identity, and values. Art can come in many forms, including painting, theater, music, and literature.
The use of art can also be seen in the expression of emotions, including love, joy, pain, and anger. For example, Chinese calligraphy is intricate and beautiful and is used to express respect for their Chinese heritage and history. Understanding art and aesthetics can help one comprehend the culture, traditions, and beliefs of a society.
Conclusion
Exploring the cultural universals provides a great way to understand society. We can analyze a society’s language, social organization, and art and aesthetics to uncover its cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. By doing so, we can ensure better communication and build empathy, which will ultimately lead us to a better understanding of societies.
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