Culture & Social Transmission

 

Culture refers to the dynamic and complex system of beliefs, values, norms, customs, artifacts, and behaviors that a group of people share and pass on to others and future generations within a society. Through this process of social transmission, culture shapes the identity of individuals and groups.

According to Clifford Geertz, culture is "a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which people communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes toward life" (Geertz 89). In other words, culture cannot only be defined as a set of beliefs and practices, but also the way in which these beliefs and practices are communicated and shared within a society.

The New York Times states that culture is a critical aspect of any society, as it helps to define the identity of a community and provides a sense of belonging to its members. In the article "The Power of Culture," the author writes, "Culture is what makes us who we are. It shapes our beliefs, values, and behaviors, and it provides a framework for understanding the world around us."

One example of cultural transmission within a society is the transmission of gender roles and expectations. Gender roles refer to the set of expectations, norms, and behaviors that are associated with being male or female. These roles are learned and transmitted through socialization processes that occur within families, schools, media, and other social institutions. Sociologist Arlie Hochschild argues that "Gender is not simply a biological given but is instead a cultural construct that is learned and transmitted through social processes" (qtd. in Risman and Seale 93). This transmission occurs through socialization processes that reinforce gendered behaviors and expectations.

Another example is the transmission of religious beliefs and practices. Religion is a powerful force that shapes people's worldviews, values, and behaviors. Religious beliefs and practices are learned and transmitted through social institutions such as churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship. In his book, The Sociology of Religion, Émile Durkheim argues that "Religion is not simply a set of beliefs or practices, but rather a social institution that serves to integrate individuals into society" (qtd. in Stark 36).

Language is another example of cultural transmission. According to USA Today, language is a critical aspect of culture, as it shapes our ability to communicate and express our thoughts and emotions. In the article "The Importance of Language in Culture," the author writes, "Language is the key to cultural transmission. It is through language that we are able to express our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, and it is through language that we are able to transmit these cultural values and beliefs to future generations." This quote emphasizes the importance of language in shaping culture and in transmitting cultural values and beliefs from one generation to another.

In conclusion, culture is a complex and multifaceted force within society, it is transmitted from one generation to the next through various forms of socialization. The process of social transmission plays a critical role in shaping individual and collective identity, shaping behaviors, and reinforcing social norms. Examples of cultural transmission within a society include the hospitality and how to treat guests and strangers in general, it also includes language and. Understanding cultural transmission is crucial in developing a better understanding of how society shapes individuals and how individuals shape society.

 

Works Cited

Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. Basic Books, 1973.

Brooks, David. "The Power of Culture." New York Times, 16 Nov. 2019.

Risman, Barbara J., and Chunyan Peng Seale. "Gender As a Social Structure: Theory Wrestling with Activism." Gender & Society, vol. 30, no. 4, 2016, pp. 590-610.

Stark, Rodney. Sociology, Tenth Edition. Cengage Learning, 2016.

"The Importance of Language in Culture." USA Today, 10 Mar