CULTURE
CULTURE:
This refers to the entire way of life of a particular society. We are considering the whole system of
behaviour and beliefs of a society or a group which includes fashion, art, music etc. There is a diversity of
Culture
VALUES:
These are beliefs and ideas that society sees as important and are accepted by the majority of society.
Values are things we believe in, strive to achieve and that guide our behaviour. E.g.: Success, honesty,
loyalty, educational achievement, obedience. They act as general guidelines for behaviour.
NORMS:
These are expected patterns of behaviour that are based on the values of a culture. Norms affect all public
and private behaviour, including diet, dress, e.c.t. For example in the UK, it is a norm to wear clothes when
in public, to obey the teacher, try your best and be punctual.
Norms are linked to values, we value honesty for example and that becomes the norm. The norms and
Values of any culture is relative meaning that it is changing. Norms and Values can change over time,
most people on society follow the norms and conforms.
o Norm and values are not fixed, are not the same in all situations. For example, wearing clothes is
a norm in the UK culture when you are in public, however, it would not be the norm if you are in
the shower.
o Norms and values can change over time, for example, being gay was seen as deviant and now it is
seen as acceptable in contemporary society.
DIVERSITY/CULTURAL DIVERSITY:
This refers to variety or difference that exist in societies. For example, sexuality is a common aspect of
cultural diversity. 60 years ago, in the UK, being openly gay was a criminal offence. In 2018, being gay is not
a criminal offence and gay marriages is legal in the UK.
Cultural diversity refers to the differences and variety found in societies. This can be seen both between
cultures (intercultural diversity) and within cultures (intracultural diversity).
SUBCULTURES:
This is often defined as a culture within culture. This is a smaller grouping of people who share distinctive
norms and values within a wider culture. In the UK there is subcultures based on age (youth subcultures
such as punks and emos), ethnicity and beliefs.
Ethnic minorities living in the UK are subcultures because while they while they practice the norms and
values of the UK, they may also practice their cultural lifestyle that reflects and celebrates their origins.
CULTURAL HYBRIDITY:
A Hybrid is a cross between or merging of two or more things. When cultures merge, it is referred to as
cultural hybridity.
Cultural hybridity in the UK is often considered in relation to second or third generation immigrants who
adopt hybrid identities, mixing aspects of parent cultures with British culture. E.g.: Brasians (black and
Asians). Another example of hybridity is British taste in food, it has changed over the past 30 years. Foods
from all over the world, especially pizza, lasagna, pasta and curry have become popular in the UK.