Why is culture so important to society?

Culture is so important to society because culture is constructed by society. A person can't

understand one without the other because one shapes the other, the way people interact with one
another and perceive their environment is all a part of culture.

Culture reflects the inner workings of an individual society. For example culture helps to define
social situations so people understand how to behave based on that society's cultural norms. For
example when an individual goes to a dinner party in the United States, it is customary to bring a
host or hostess gift. Culture also defines values, influences personality development and
influences career choices. If culture didn't define values, or what is considered right and wrong
within the society, then there would be social discord and the society would fail.

Society could not function without cultural norms that assist in governing behavior and values,
and culture could not exist without societal influences to create it. They must coexist in order for
humans to exist in an organized manner. It is important to note that culture can, and does, change
over time as societal norms change, but the members of that society govern that change so the
individual members of the society have a level of control over the culture.

GESTURE

A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication or non-vocal communication in which visible bodily

actions communicate particular messages, either in place of, or in conjunction with, speech. Gestures
include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body.

a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an
idea, opinion, emotion, etc.:

25 Examples of Body Language

They say a picture paints a thousand words – and the same can certainly be said for gestures. We
all subconsciously give away hints as to our true feelings, through our movements and gestures.
This is a list of 25 examples of body language.

Gestures 1 – 5

Gesture: Brisk, erect walk

Meaning: Confidence

Gesture: Standing with hands on hips

Meaning: Readiness, aggression
Gesture: Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly
Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Sitting, legs apart

Meaning: Open, relaxed

Gesture: Arms crossed on chest

Meaning: Defensiveness

Gestures 6 – 10

Gesture: Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched

Meaning: Dejection

Gesture: Hand to cheek

Meaning: Evaluation, thinking

Gesture: Touching, slightly rubbing nose

Meaning: Rejection, doubt, lying

Gesture: Rubbing the eye

Meaning: Doubt, disbelief

Gesture: Hands clasped behind back

Meaning: Anger, frustration, apprehension

Gestures 11 – 15

Gesture: Locked ankles

Meaning: Apprehension

Gesture: Head resting in hand, eyes downcast

Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Rubbing hands

Meaning: Anticipation

Gesture: Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed

Meaning: Confidence, superiority

Gesture: Open palm

Meaning: Sincerity, openness, innocence
Gestures 16 – 20

Gesture: Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed

Meaning: Negative evaluation

Gesture: Tapping or drumming fingers

Meaning: Impatience

Gesture: Steepling fingers

Meaning: Authoritative

Gesture: Patting/fondling hair

Meaning: Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

Gesture: Quickly tilted head

Meaning: Interest

Gestures 21 – 25

Gesture: Stroking chin

Meaning: Trying to make a decision

Gesture: Looking down, face turned away

Meaning: Disbelief

Gesture: Biting nails

Meaning: Insecurity, nervousness

Gesture: Pulling or tugging at ear

Meaning: Indecision

Gesture: Prolonged tilted head

Meaning: Boredom

LANGUAGE

a body of words and the systems for their use common to a people who are of the same
community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition.

the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other
EXAMPLE:
languages such as Spanish that quickly and easily differentiate between a “formal” and “informal” relationship with
others, depending on which form of the word “you” is used.

VALUES
 Norms are derived from a society's overall values. Values determine
norms. Remember, norms are classified into several types.

 Folkways (weak norms customs, etiquette; three meals a day, wearing

shoes to class, tipping after a meal, taking same seat in class)
 Mores (strong norms considered vital to our well-being, values,
morals; cheating on spouse, child abuse and murder)
 Laws (Norms established and punished by the state with punishments
fixed in advance: written or encoded mores, folkways, and taboos;
from traffic laws to laws against rape and murder).

Taboos (Very strong norms whose violation is considered loathsome and disgusting)

4. How does Ethnocentrism differ from Cultural Relativism

Cultural Relativism vs Ethnocentrism

Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism are the two flip sides of one coin where both of these rather
philosophical notions are intertwined. Ethnocentrism landed as a concept amongst different
nations earlier than cultural relativism which got to be devised to counter ethnocentrism. And, the
most significant feature related to these notions and ideas is the fact that both of these come with
specific sect of followers which can be specific individuals and specific nations as well.

Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism is that notion that allows to see the different habits, traits and values of an
individual in the relevance of his or her cultural values. All the nations come up with their specific
sects of cultural and ethnic values and norms. And, all such cultural values differ from one ethnic
group or nationality to the other. Cultural relativism grants that cushion where no culture gets to
be termed as superior or inferior one. All the values, norms and traits get to be seen in the cultural
relevance where it being understood that one value appropriate for one specific culture can be
inappropriate for the other. So, this very notion does not propagate becoming judgmental or harsh
towards any specific cultural value and norms.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism on the other hand is the extreme opposite of cultural relativism. The follower of
this philosophy will happen not only to consider his or her culture the most supreme of all but that
person will judge other cultures by comparing these to his or her specific culture. This notion falls
in deep and sharp contrast to cultural relativism which focuses on the better and unbiased
understanding of other cultures and the related values.

Cultural relativism is considered to be more constructive and positive conception as compared to

ethnocentrism. It permits to see an individual’s habits, values and morals in the context of his or
her cultural relevance not by comparing it to one’s own cultural values and by deeming these the
most superior and greater of all.