The Importance of Culture

11 January, 2019

11 minutes read

Author:  Richard Pircher

Culture can be defined as “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” It can also be understood as the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. Therefore, it’s the shared patterns of our behavior and interaction which are learned through socialization. People of the same culture share a group identity that is fostered by social patterns unique to the group. Culture encompasses for example values, beliefs, symbols, norms, and patterns of behavior. It has a far-reaching impact on our everyday actions, on how we talk and think, what we wear, what we believe, how we sit at the table, and how we behave among other people. But what is the importance of culture in our society? And which components constitute our conception of culture?

Essay Samples

Components of culture

  • Patterns of behavior

What defines culture?

All cultures are characterized by constant change. As a dynamic phenomenon, cultures are under constant change and they must adapt to environmental changes. This is one of the universal features of a culture. After globalization, the world became more interconnected and today most societies consist of ethnically diverse populations. This has given rise to conflicts associated with ethnicity, religion, and ethical beliefs which are all central concepts in cultures. More than ever before, culture is no longer fixed but rather in constant motion. At a time when cultures adapt and become more fluid, a need has been identified to protect and preserve the past. There are organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) whose objectives include conserving and protecting cultural and natural heritage along with the promotion of international cooperation, peace, and security.

what is importance of culture essay sample

To answer the question about the importance of culture, one has to consider its role in people’s everyday lives. Because culture affects how people behave and interact with each other, it helps you build relationships with others when you understand other cultures and perspectives. It’s also good to understand how much in common we have with other people even if at first glance their cultures might seem completely different. We are all humans and have similar needs, hopes, fears, and things that make us happy. It doesn’t mean, however, that our cultural differences don’t matter at all. A better strategy is to acknowledge that differences exist and to fight against discrimination. The world is becoming more and more diverse as different languages, religions, economic and cultural groups blend together. We need to appreciate and understand different cultures and establish relationships with people from other backgrounds. This is the only way to build successful communities, improve our living conditions, and solve problems.

If we take a closer look at the characteristics of culture, we can identify five basic traits that define the concept of culture.

Five characteristics of culture

  • Based on symbols
This Essay sample was provided by Handmadewriting essay writer . You may order your own essay at our top-level essay writing service.

Culture is learned

Culture is learned because it’s not biological or ingrained in our DNA. Children don’t inherit culture from their parents. Instead, they learn it and much of this learning occurs subconsciously without us paying any attention to it. We learn our culture not only from our families but also from institutions, other people, and the media. This process of learning is called enculturation. All humans share the same biological needs, for example, food, water, sleep, shelter, and sex, but the way we choose to fulfill those needs varies across cultures.

Culture is shared

Culture is shared because we share our culture with other members of our group. We know how to interact with these other members and we can predict their behavior based on our knowledge and expectations. The shared nature of culture doesn’t mean, however, that cultures are homogenous.

Culture is integrated

Because the various parts of a culture are interconnected, culture is also integrated. All components of culture are connected to one another and to gain a comprehensive understanding of a culture, one must learn about these different components.

Culture is dynamic

Culture is dynamic because cultures interact with each other. Cultures share ideas and symbols and they adapt to changes in the environment. Since cultures are also integrated, it means that if one component of a culture changes, it will affect all the other components, too, forcing the entire system to adapt.

Culture is based on symbols

Symbols are an integral part of every culture and they vary across different cultures. Cultures not only use symbols but they are also based on them. Symbols get their meaning when people in the same culture agree on how they should be used. Language is the most obvious example of the use of symbols within a culture but other things such as art, clothing, and money can also be defined as symbols.

It should also be pointed out that not all cultural adaptation is positive. Not all cultural practices are adaptive, and there are many examples of cultural adaptation that have been detrimental such as fast food, pollution, and climate change. But due to their dynamic nature, cultures have the ability to adapt and find solutions to these problems.

How does geography affect culture?

What influences our cultures then? One of the most profound of these factors is geography. The development of a culture is largely dependent on its geographical location. For example, locations that are ideal for hunting influence that culture by encouraging people to teach their descendants to hunt, tell hunting stories, and organize ceremonies that celebrate hunting skills. A factor such as hunting can thus become a defining characteristic of that culture. Another good example is the Japanese culture which relies heavily on the attribute of water. The fact that Japan is an island surrounded by water has influenced its culture from its creation myth to natural resources such as fish and growing of rice. Even more so, Japan as an island has historically been limited because of its geography, and this has given rise to art forms such as haiku poems and bonsai trees which are characterized by their limitations. Geography affects cultures from the number of languages spoken in a given area to the clothes people wear, their political ideas, and even religions. For example, on the island of Guinea, people speak more than 800 languages. This is because New Guinea is mountainous and it’s difficult for people from one area to come into contact with people from other areas. These different groups, therefore, learned to keep to themselves and developed their own languages. Culture also has its impact on the clothes that people wear, and this has historically been determined by geography, too. People in the Arctic whose culture relies on hunting whales and seals wear several layers of warm clothes, usually manufactured from animal skin. In contrast, tribes in the rainforests wear very little clothing and their economies are centered around plant life. In terms of government and religion, the ancient Greeks, for example, developed a political culture centered around city-states because their geography was mountainous and it was thus difficult for large kingdoms to arise. The Mesopotamian and Egyptian religions, on the other hand, differed in the fact that Mesopotamian gods were considered less kind than the Egyptian gods. This is believed to be the result of unpredictable floods in the Mesopotamian rivers and rather consistent and predictable floods in the Nile.

what is culture essay

How does culture affect business?

When looking at modern cultures, we can see the many effects that cultures have, for example, on business. During a business meeting where people from different cultures are communicating with one another, cultural differences have to be taken into account. There is more than merely a language barrier that needs to be overcome. These differences can concern people’s sensitivity to time, the way of communicating, risk-taking, decision-making, and thinking of others, all of which need to be addressed. Cultural differences can often impact the success or failure of multicultural business negotiations. When segmenting target groups for a product or service, businesses have to spend time on examining the cultural expectations and values of different groups. Culture influences people’s tastes and preferences, and the same strategies will not work for all audiences. Americans, for example, have very different expectations from advertising and marketing than Asian consumers. Business owners must account for differences throughout the product’s life cycle, from its design to marketing and beyond.

Culture affects our every facet of life. Most societies these days have become multicultural as more and more people migrate across countries and continents. We live around, socialize and work with people from different cultural backgrounds and different parts of the world. While their values and beliefs might be different from ours, we should accept these differences and broaden our own views in order to attain harmony in these culturally diverse environments. We should acknowledge the importance of culture in communication and in contributing to our identity and sense of belonging as part of a social group. Culture can be seen as a uniting force that is part of our daily lives and an integral part of our being, defining the way we treat other people and ourselves.

  • Caplan, L. (2018): “What Factors Influence Culture? What are the Characteristics of Culture?” eNotes. https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-factors-influence-culture-98429
  • Community Tool Box (2018): “Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities.” The University of Kansas. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/culture-and-diversity/main
  • eNotes (2015): “How Does Geography Affect Culture?” https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-does-geography-affect-culture-474205
  • Nowaczyk, J., (2018): “The Five Basic Characteristics of Cultures.” Study.com https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-five-basic-characteristics-of-cultures.html
  • OpinionFront (2018): “Why is Culture Important and How Does it Influence People?” https://opinionfront.com/why-is-culture-important
  • Oxford Dictionaries (2019): “Definition of Culture.” Oxford University Press. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/culture
  • Zimmermann, K. A. (2012): “What is Culture.” Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Why Is Culture Important? Impact on People & Society

Sally is a prolific non-fiction and fiction writer, who has appeared in multiple print and digital publications.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Why is culture important and what is it? Culture is a composite of several factors. A community shares a main culture, and there can be sub-cultures within the main culture. The main culture is what makes a group of diverse sub-cultures cohesive. It can be compared to religions that believe in God, but have different doctrines and beliefs about God, but the overall commonality is the belief in God.

Why Is Culture Important?

Culture is a reflection of a community or nation. This makes culture a vital and important determining factor of how the community reacts, responds, and grows. Culture plays a major role in the lives of everyone in the society. Culture gives you a sense of belonging, especially when everyone speaks the same language . Language evolves with the culture as an intimate product of the way those within the society communicate.

Culture Provides Stability

It provides stability that, in turn, gives you a feeling of security and safety. For most people, culture provides them with the same emotional response as they have for their family . Strangers have an instant connection when they are part of the same culture. Culture provides a continuity between cities, states, and regions.

Culture Can Nurture

In the right kind of culture, people feel nurtured and even loved. They share the same history and ideologies as those within their community, and this gives everything unity. It ties them to their ancestry and provides a sensation of longevity which gives them a feeling of truth and living an authentic life.

Negative Aspects of Some Cultures

Culture nuances are far-reaching and can overshadow individual beliefs and ideologies. That's because culture sets up certain expectations for how members of the culture should act.

Ingrown Cultures

Cultures that don't embrace diversity by accepting other cultures into their fold become ingrown. In some more extreme cases when the culture becomes too ingrown, its reach develops into a groupthink mentality. In this extreme form of culture, anyone who doesn't toe the cultural line is viewed in a negative way. In fact, the person will be ostracized and shamed into conforming to the culture's precepts.

Cultural Stagnation Is Harmful

This type of culture derives its power through control of the community. In most instances of groupthink cultures, there are a handful of people steering the culture in their desired direction. At other times, strong cultural edicts simply morph as a result of strict cultural practices. These practices may become stagnant instead of continuously evolving and changing the way most healthy cultures do.

Cultural Control of Community

In strict instances of controlling cultures, the biggest threat is the stifling of individuality. When a person is forced to fall in line with strict cultural mandates, they don't develop discernment or critical thinking. What they think, what they do, how they move through life is all dictated and controlled by the culture they grow up in or choose to become part of as an adult. Cults often evolve from this kind of repressive cultures.

How Do Cultures Control Their Communities?

The use of peer pressure is an effective tool for controlling a community within a culture. Those who support the culture expect others within their community to fall in line and support their cultural values. If peer pressure fails to work, then shaming tactics are employed. If those efforts fail to force the person to act according to their cultural norms then more extreme measures are taken, such as character assassination or worse, persecution.

Culture's Influence Over Lives

It's undeniable that your culture influences who you are, your perspective about life and the world at large, and your values. Even your sense of humanity and how you relate to other people are influence by your culture. This type of influence can result in what is commonly called a cultural gap.

How to Bridge Cultural Gaps

It's through intentional understanding and acceptance of different cultures that cultural gaps can be bridged. It takes a willingness and desire to understand different cultures. Communities that make such efforts show an appreciation for diversity and view cultural differences as a gateway for building and growing their own community.

Inclusion Is Vital

Including people from other cultures into their community provides new insights and appreciation of different, diverse groups. They may gain a new perspective of the world at large.

Recognizing Shared Values

When a society values cultures different from their own, they allow themselves to grow and realize there are other ways of doing things. They are able to grow as individuals and reach beyond their own safety nets to experience new ideas, cuisines and various expression of individuality and cultures through religions, music, fashion, and art.

Diversity Can Inspire Greater Self-Expression

Diversity can inspire you to find a new way of self-expression. An artist may be inspired by the art of another culture, or discover that a certain aspect of the new culture challenges what they thought they understand about life in general.

Healthy Cultures Expand and Grow

A healthy culture learns to adapt to changes. It can expand and grow without feeling its own core values are threatened. The healthy community may even adopt some parts of a new culture. These new cultural aspects can strengthen the existing ethos and add to its own richness and diversity. This kind of growing and advancing culture can better support its members. It can provide a more stable and nurturing framework for the community, but more importantly, the individuals within the culture.

Cultural Clashes

It's easy to understand how different cultures can clash. When two cultures don't share the same philosophies or values, it is difficult to find common ground. However, it is through respect and open communication that common ground can be found to provide a platform for building a bigger and better community.

Connection Between Economies and Cultures

The culture is the driving force behind a community's economy. The culture provides individuals with specific goals, such as creation and building. The more diverse a culture is, the more economic opportunities and wealth it can have. That's because the pool of skills and knowledge are widened and become deeper and more complex. There is a greater wellspring of creativity that economic opportunities follow.

Why Is Culture Important to a Society?

A healthy prosperous culture is a positive reflection of a diverse community. Culture is vital to the growth and economic progress of society.

Logo

Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Introduction.

Culture and tradition are vital aspects of our lives. They define our identity, guide our behavior, and connect us to our history.

The Role of Culture

Culture is the shared values, beliefs, and customs of a group. It shapes our thinking and decisions, making us unique.

Significance of Traditions

Traditions are practices passed down generations. They foster unity and continuity, strengthening our bond with our ancestors.

In essence, culture and tradition are the backbone of our society. They provide a sense of belonging and help preserve our heritage.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Understanding culture and tradition.

Culture and tradition are the pillars of any society, shaping the identity and character of individuals and communities. They are the collective manifestation of shared behaviors, beliefs, and values, passed down through generations.

Culture is the lens through which we perceive and evaluate what is around us. It influences our perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors, serving as a roadmap for both individual and community behaviors. It fosters a sense of belonging and security, reinforcing societal norms and expectations.

Significance of Tradition

Traditions, on the other hand, are specific practices or customs that are perpetuated across generations. They provide a sense of continuity and connection to our past. Traditions can foster unity, create positive memories, and build strong relationships within communities.

Culture, Tradition, and Identity

Both culture and tradition are integral to identity formation. They define our roots and give us a sense of belonging. They shape our worldview and influence our values, thus impacting our decisions and actions.

Preserving Culture and Tradition

In an increasingly globalized world, there’s a risk of cultural erosion. It is essential to preserve culture and tradition, not as unchangeable relics of the past, but as dynamic entities that evolve while retaining their core essence. This preservation promotes diversity and enriches global understanding.

In conclusion, culture and tradition are not just about the past. They are living, dynamic aspects of social life that play a critical role in shaping our present and future. Their importance lies in their capacity to promote social cohesion, personal identity, and mutual understanding.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Culture and tradition are integral aspects of human life. They provide a sense of identity, belonging, and continuity, shaping our perceptions and behaviors. As we delve into the significance of culture and tradition, we unravel the profound influences they have on individual and societal development.

The Essence of Identity and Belonging

Culture and tradition are the bedrock of our identity. They offer a unique lens through which we view and interpret the world. Our cultural heritage, expressed through language, art, rituals, and social norms, shapes our worldview and forms our unique identity. This identity, in turn, fosters a sense of belonging, a vital aspect of our psychological well-being.

Preservation of Historical Continuity

Traditions serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future, ensuring historical continuity. They preserve and pass on the wisdom, knowledge, and experiences of previous generations. This continuity provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is essential in a rapidly changing world.

Contribution to Social Cohesion

Culture and tradition play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion. Shared cultural practices and beliefs create a sense of unity and mutual understanding among individuals. They provide a common ground for communication, reducing conflicts, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Role in Moral and Ethical Development

Culture and tradition also play a significant role in moral and ethical development. They instill values, norms, and moral codes that guide individual behavior and social interactions. These ethical frameworks help maintain social order and harmony, promoting cooperative and responsible behavior.

Challenges and Evolution

Despite their importance, culture and tradition are not static; they evolve over time. Societies must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the need for adaptation and progress. Unquestioned adherence to outdated traditions can hinder societal growth and development. Conversely, the complete abandonment of cultural practices can lead to a loss of identity and historical continuity.

In essence, culture and tradition are not merely relics of the past but dynamic and evolving aspects of human societies. They provide identity, ensure historical continuity, promote social cohesion, and guide moral development. However, it is equally important to critically engage with our cultural practices and traditions, ensuring they evolve in ways that are inclusive, progressive, and responsive to changing societal needs. The importance of culture and tradition, therefore, lies not just in preservation but also in thoughtful evolution.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

  • Essay on Odisha Culture
  • Essay on Maharashtra Culture
  • Essay on College Life Experience

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

One Comment

It’s was really good……. I loved the essay

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — What is Culture — The Essence of Culture: Understanding and Valuing its Significance

test_template

The Essence of Culture: Understanding and Valuing Its Significance

  • Categories: What is Culture

About this sample

close

Words: 761 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 761 | Pages: 0 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Defining culture, the importance of culture, culture in a diverse world, conclusion: the rich tapestry of human experience, 1. norms and values:, 2. language and communication:, 3. traditions and rituals:, 4. arts, literature, and expression:, 5. social structures and hierarchies:, 1. identity and belonging:, 2. cultural preservation:, 3. interpersonal relationships:, 4. global understanding:, 5. personal growth and enrichment:.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Arts & Culture

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 818 words

1 pages / 625 words

1 pages / 538 words

1 pages / 512 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on What is Culture

Culture is an intricate and multifaceted concept that plays a pivotal role in communication. It encompasses a wide array of elements, including language, customs, beliefs, values, and social norms, which collectively shape how [...]

Culture significantly influences human behavior, shaping individuals' thoughts, beliefs, values, and actions. This essay will explore the various ways in which culture impacts human behavior and the implications of cultural [...]

Individualism is a social theory that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual. It posits that each person is distinct and possesses their own set of rights and responsibilities. This concept stands in contrast to [...]

Culture is an intricate web of beliefs, customs, values, and traditions that are passed down through generations. It shapes the way people think, behave, and interact with one another. While many factors contribute to the [...]

Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, and armchair anthropology is the practice of studying these societies and cultures from a distance, often through the analysis of written records, rather than through [...]

The British Museum, in London, shows “superior” European artwork, or at least what people believe. According to Preziosi’s The Art of Art History, the British museum is an institution that creates “national mythologies", in [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

culture is important essay

Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life

Introduction, reference list.

The essay below discusses the importance of culture in human life as a means of adaptation, organization, and interpretation.

Is it possible to imagine our every day life without culture? To answer this question, it is enough to remember that humans are social animals, and their participation in social and cultural activities is one of the main issues which distinguish them from other animals in the world.

If people forget about the importance of culture in their lives, they may lose a chance to be called a separate group with its own interests, demands, and preferences. There are many aspects which make this life a pure human one only, and the absence of one of such aspects may lead to unpredictable and usually frustrating results. The peculiar feature of culture that has to be inherent to society is its possibility to provide the necessary knowledge in order to survive and get used to the natural environment that cannot be neglected.

And when the time to answer the question whether culture essential to human life comes, there cannot be any doubts to underline its importance and significance. Culture is an integral part of human life, and its significance may be observed from several perspectives: as a powerful means for people to adapt to the environment they have to live in, as a crucial point for people to organize their lives and to follow the already established norms, and as a vital ability to comprehend and interpret people and events around.

Human abilities

Usually people make use of culture in order to improve their lives, develop their abilities, and promote the necessary progress in this life. Even taking into consideration the fact that people are regarded as the superior form of life in the world, human body and abilities are not as powerful and strong as the other forms may have.

For example, the physical state of a man is weaker than the one of the elephant, however, a man is able to handle the elephant and use its power and abilities to solve problems and make the right decision due to his cultural development.

Haviland, Walrath, and Prins (2007) admit that “a culture is essentially a maintenance system to ensure the continued well-being of a group of people” (p. 40) and underline its significance due to the possibility to survive in the society. So the development of culture plays an important role in human lives as it helps to utilize numerous factors and make use of them in accordance with humans’ demands and needs.

In fact, culture is that integral issue that makes human life possible because humans are able to comprehend, define, and realize what and why is required. “People are born with a propensity to learn the knowledge and behaviors of the group they were born into from observation, interaction, and communication with members of that group” (Peoples & Bailey, 2008, p. 36), this is why these very ways will be crucial considering the role of culture in human life.

Culture as a means of adaptation

By means of culture, people have a chance to gain the necessary knowledge about the natural environment they live in. Such awareness helps to survive under different conditions and be adapted to different challenges and problems.

It is not that easy to forecast all possible obstacles in this life, this is why when a person thinks that it is enough to be culturally education, he/she makes a huge mistake. It becomes more important to share all information between the members of the chosen culture and promote the spreading of this culture to other people.

Usually culture exists in a stable form that allows people rely on the same grounds and requirements to adapt the necessary environment. Many anthropologists admit that culture is a very significant point for people to survive in this world, and it is not a surprise that they regard adaptation as one of the most essential ways of how culture influences human life (Peoples & Bailey, 2008).

Culture helps to organize human life

Another powerful way of how culture may influence human life is its ability to organize properly the relations between people and the norms according to which these people have to live. “Human beings, in being born, are – uniquely among living creatures – cast into a world of culture” (Richardson, 2001, p. 1). Humans’ belonging to one concrete group is an inherent feature that can hardly be avoided, so people have to organize their lives, interests, and duties in accordance with the norms set by the culture.

This way of cultural influence on human life implies all those values, expectations, and relations which have to be used by an individual in order to communicate, cooperate, and express personal thoughts and ideas in a proper way. With the help of cultural awareness, people realize what actions are acceptable in this society and what actions have to be avoided; people learn how to develop relations with relatives, friends, and strangers; and finally, people understand what steps have to be taken to achieve the purposes set.

Culture and interpretation of human life

The final idea of how culture may influence and make human life possible is all about interpretation of reality. Culture is the only responsible item that helps people perceive and analyze the events which happen to them. In other words, “culture provides a filter or screen that affects how we perceive the world through our senses” (Peoples & Bailey, 2008, p. 36). Urgency of the action may serve as a powerful example of how culture influences this life.

There are some events and actions which are very important in our life, for example pregnancy or eating. Culture helps people comprehend why all this is urgent and when it is better to take these steps. And the issues like driving a car, buying new clothes, or make up are not that important, and culture informs people why these aspects may be considered as such.

In general, culture should be regarded as “an integral composed of partly autonomous, partly coordinated institutions” (Valsiner, 2000). This is why its impact on human life and its development is considered to be an important issue to discuss. Culture is a powerful and essential means used by people to be adapted to surroundings, to interpret personal understanding of this world, and to organize personal thoughts and actions.

Now it is clear that culture makes human life possible in many different ways such as organization, adaptation, and interpretation. To gain better understanding of why culture is essential in this life, it becomes necessary to evaluate how absence of culture may influence the current state of affairs and what outcomes are possible if people fail to accept culture as an integral part of their life.

Haviland, W.A., Walrath, D., & Prins, H.E.L. (2007). Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge . Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Peoples, J. & Bailey, G. (2008). Humanity: An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology . Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Richardson, M. (2001). The Experience of Culture . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publication, Ltd.

Valsiner, J. (2000). Culture and Human Development: An Introduction . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

  • Cultural Shock: Visiting Eastern, Arab, Muslim Countries
  • Managing Across Cultures: South Korea and Germany
  • Adaptations of trees in the rainforest biomes
  • Roy’s Adaptation Model for Nursing
  • Environmental Adaptation in Occupational Therapy
  • How Death and Dying Is Dealt With in Other Cultures and Countries
  • National Museum of Australia and the Smithsonian Institution
  • International Faux Pas in Islamic and Other Cultures
  • International Trading and Cultural Differences
  • Cultural Diversity Training: Challenges of an Increase in Cultural Diversity
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, February 7). Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life. https://ivypanda.com/essays/in-what-ways-is-culture-essential-to-human-life-how-does-it-make-our-life-possible/

"Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life." IvyPanda , 7 Feb. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/in-what-ways-is-culture-essential-to-human-life-how-does-it-make-our-life-possible/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life'. 7 February.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life." February 7, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/in-what-ways-is-culture-essential-to-human-life-how-does-it-make-our-life-possible/.

1. IvyPanda . "Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life." February 7, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/in-what-ways-is-culture-essential-to-human-life-how-does-it-make-our-life-possible/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Is Culture Essential? The Role of Culture in Human Life." February 7, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/in-what-ways-is-culture-essential-to-human-life-how-does-it-make-our-life-possible/.

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

IMAGES

  1. Write a Reflective Essay about Filipino Values, Culture and Tradition that affects modern

    culture is important essay

  2. (PDF) An essay on culture

    culture is important essay

  3. Cultural Diversity Essay

    culture is important essay

  4. Why is Culture Important?

    culture is important essay

  5. The Interplay Between Love and Culture: A Cultural Perspective on Love Free Essay Example

    culture is important essay

  6. Write a short essay on Our Culture our Identity

    culture is important essay

VIDEO

  1. Rajasthan Art & Culture : For All Competition Exam

  2. Bangladeshi and Foreign Culture: An Argumentative Essay || Essay Writing

  3. is college REALLY worth it?

  4. Class 52. राज वाद्य यंत्र // (New Rajasthan art & culture) important for all exam

  5. Arts and Culture Class-1 ADRE Grade-4,Assam Police AB UB SI, SSC GD Written exam important questions

  6. Giving Up Darwin's Brilliant and Beautiful Theory

COMMENTS

  1. Culture and Its Importance: [Essay Example], 571 words

    This essay aims to explore the importance of culture in various aspects of human life, including social, economic, and personal development. By analyzing its impact on education, healthcare, and the economy, we can gain a deeper understanding of culture's significance in society.

  2. The Importance of Culture | Essay Sample by Handmadewritng.com

    What is the importance of culture and what characteristics does it have? Take a look at our culture essay example and improve your own essay writing skills

  3. Why Is Culture Important? Impact on People & Society

    Why Is Culture Important? Culture is a reflection of a community or nation. This makes culture a vital and important determining factor of how the community reacts, responds, and grows.

  4. The Importance Of My Culture: [Essay Example], 833 words

    In today's globalized world, where cultures are increasingly intermingling, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the importance of one's own cultural heritage. In this essay, I will explore the significance of my culture and why it is essential to preserve and promote it.

  5. Importance of Culture Essay

    Different people define culture in different ways, for example “Culture: learned and shared human patterns or models for living; day- to-day living patterns, these patterns and models pervade all aspects of human social interaction. Culture is mankind’s primary adaptive mechanism”1.

  6. Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition - AspiringYouths

    Culture and tradition play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion. Shared cultural practices and beliefs create a sense of unity and mutual understanding among individuals. They provide a common ground for communication, reducing conflicts, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

  7. The Essence of Culture: Understanding and Valuing Its ...

    It shapes our beliefs, values, customs, language, and the way we interact with one another. In this essay, we will explore the essence of culture, delving into what it encompasses and why it holds such paramount importance in our lives and the world at large.

  8. Mastering the Importance of Culture Essay: Pro Tips, Examples ...

    Do you want to get an A + for your culture essay? ⏩ Then read our guide to creating a great essay about culture. 💡 Examples and useful tips!

  9. Culture is Essential: What Is Its Role in Human Life? - IvyPanda

    Culture is an integral part of human life, and its significance may be observed from several perspectives: as a powerful means for people to adapt to the environment they have to live in, as a crucial point for people to organize their lives and to follow the already established norms, and as a vital ability to comprehend and interpret people an...

  10. Culture Essay (Free Example) - Aceyourpaper.com

    This essay will define culture, discuss culture identity, culture diversity, cultural differences, and explain why culture is important.