Culture and Civilization

 Culture is a way of life, and representation of what we think and do things.

 Culture is the things that we have inherited as members of society.
 Art, music, literature, architecture, sculpture, philosophy, religion and science can be
seen as aspects of culture.
 Culture also includes the customs, traditions, festivals, ways of living and one’s
outlook on various issues of life.
 Culture varies from place to place and country to country. The people of a country are
characterized by their distinctive cultural traditions.
 ‘Culture’ and ‘Civilization’ are different form each other. ‘Culture’ refers to the inner
being, a refinement of head and heart and various higher pursuits of human life which are
also classified as cultural activities. While civilization may be termed as better ways of living
socially and politically and better utilization of nature around us.

Culture and Heritage

 Every generation transfer their learning to their successor. With the passage of time
few things are added and few are dropped which are not considered useful. This is how
culture is transmitted and carried forward from generation to next generation.
 The culture we inherit from our predecessors is called our cultural heritage. It includes
values transmitted to next generation. These values are cherished, protected and maintained
by them with a great affection and a sense of pride.
 The architectural creations, monuments, artifacts, the intellectual achievements,
philosophy, treasures of knowledge, scientific inventions and discoveries are the part of
heritage. For example, Yoga is one of the most important treasures of Indian Cultural
heritage.

Characteristics of Culture

 Culture is learned and acquired

 Culture is shared by a group of people
 Culture is cumulative
 Culture changes
 Culture is dynamic
 Culture gives us a range of permissible behavior patterns
 Culture is diverse
 Culture is ideational

Culture is defined as the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people
or society.

Civilization is defined as the process by which a society or place reaches an

advanced stage of social and cultural development and organization.

Heritage is something that is handed down from the past, as a tradition

Tradition is the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs,
information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth
or by practice