Characteristics of Culture Review
Government- system of ruling or controlling a group of people
- examples include democracy, republic, monarchy, dictatorship, and tyranny
Economy
- managing of money or resources
- how a group earns or spends its money
Religion
- belief in or the worship of God or a group of gods
- moral ideas or philosophy of life
- two main categories
1. monotheism – belief in only ONE God
2. polytheism – belief in MANY gods
Values and Beliefs
- feelings that certain things are true or real
- faith and/or having ideals; moral standing
- belief that certain things are right or wrong
Customs and Traditions
- habits / rites of passage
- something that has been done over and over for a long time
- handing down of stories or beliefs from generation to generation
Arts and Recreation
- anything someone does for enjoyment or relaxation
- the arts include music, movies, theater, museums, and/or dance
Clothes
- items worn by people to cover their bodies
- may make a statement about their thoughts or opinions
Shelter
- a place or building of some sort that covers or protects
Knowledge
- what is known by one or a group
- for example the United States is very knowledgeable about many things including space travel, medicine, military, etc.
Tools
- any person or thing used as a means to get something done
- for example books are a tool of education
Language
- way of passing on thoughts or feelings to others
- two types
1. Verbal 2. Non-verbal
Food
- items eaten by people in a given society
