"What is Culture"

Definition

"What is Culture" refers to the exploration and understanding of culture, which is a complex system of knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs and any other capabilities acquired by people as members of society.

Analogy

Culture is like an iceberg. The part above water (visible culture) includes things we can see like food, clothing or architecture. But there's a much larger part underwater (invisible culture) that includes our values, beliefs and thought patterns.

Related terms

Cultural Diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Cultural Landscape: A geographic area including both cultural and natural resources associated with a historic event, activity or person often considered heritage resources.

Material Culture: Physical objects, resources and spaces that people use to define their culture.