Introduction
In this paper I will examine the difference between material and non-material culture in my world, identifying ten objects that are part of my regular cultural experience. For each object, I will then identify what aspects of non-material culture (values and beliefs) these objects represent. Finally, I will reveal what this exercise has revealed to you me about my culture.
There are clear differences between material and non-material culture, according to Little et. Al (2014); material culture exists as objects and items that belong to me, whereas nonmaterial culture is not physical, it is certain beliefs, values and ideas that shape us, and make our societies unique from one another. From my experience, I would say that a
society’s …show more content…
Our values, beliefs and ideas, etc. vary depending on the culture we belong to, and are essentially the products of our non-material cultural elements.
I have come up with ten objects that are part of my regular cultural experience; for each object, I will identify any aspects of non-material culture that they represent to me:
1. Car; Bose, M., Horrigan, P., Doble, C., & Shipp, S. (2014) described cars as being an element of material culture, yet they can also be seen as a form of capitalism. Having a car means that I accept having to pay out for insurances, taxes, etc. in order to use it on public roads.
MATERIAL AND NONMATERIAL CULTURE 3
2. Glamorous ball-gown; I value the appropriateness of wearing such a dress for the right occasion, such as a wedding, rather than to the supermarket.
3. A government-issued identification card; shows that I am willing to respect and conform to the rules that the government have placed upon us. Without this form of identification, it would be hard for me to pay for goods in stores using my credit …show more content…
Foreign language pocket dictionary; I am learning a foreign language, which is a way of communicating in an unfamiliar culture, and shows a willingness to adapt.
6. Study note-pad; represents my desire to rekindle my education – going back to university with the hope of bettering oneself and advancing career-wise.
7. Engagement ring; the ring symbolizes a promise of marriage to those around me, but it also represents invisible feelings and beliefs.
8. Electric kettle; represents the daily ritual of a traditional custom of drinking cups of tea, almost to the point of it becoming a pattern.
9. The latest smartphone; seen as the in-thing to own and use, it is now seen to be odd in my culture if one does not have a cellular phone, let alone one with Internet access.
10. Cross-shaped necklace; most would presume it represents my religion, but I actually wear it purely because it is a beautiful piece of jewelry, and it does not bother me that presumptions can be made when I wear it.
MATERIAL AND NONMATERIAL CULTURE 4
What has this exercise revealed about my culture? I realize that not all cultures are the same, and each one has its own beliefs and values, however, I believe that our
In this paper I will examine the difference between material and non-material culture in my world, identifying ten objects that are part of my regular cultural experience. For each object, I will then identify what aspects of non-material culture (values and beliefs) these objects represent. Finally, I will reveal what this exercise has revealed to you me about my culture.
There are clear differences between material and non-material culture, according to Little et. Al (2014); material culture exists as objects and items that belong to me, whereas nonmaterial culture is not physical, it is certain beliefs, values and ideas that shape us, and make our societies unique from one another. From my experience, I would say that a
society’s …show more content…
Our values, beliefs and ideas, etc. vary depending on the culture we belong to, and are essentially the products of our non-material cultural elements.
I have come up with ten objects that are part of my regular cultural experience; for each object, I will identify any aspects of non-material culture that they represent to me:
1. Car; Bose, M., Horrigan, P., Doble, C., & Shipp, S. (2014) described cars as being an element of material culture, yet they can also be seen as a form of capitalism. Having a car means that I accept having to pay out for insurances, taxes, etc. in order to use it on public roads.
MATERIAL AND NONMATERIAL CULTURE 3
2. Glamorous ball-gown; I value the appropriateness of wearing such a dress for the right occasion, such as a wedding, rather than to the supermarket.
3. A government-issued identification card; shows that I am willing to respect and conform to the rules that the government have placed upon us. Without this form of identification, it would be hard for me to pay for goods in stores using my credit …show more content…
Foreign language pocket dictionary; I am learning a foreign language, which is a way of communicating in an unfamiliar culture, and shows a willingness to adapt.
6. Study note-pad; represents my desire to rekindle my education – going back to university with the hope of bettering oneself and advancing career-wise.
7. Engagement ring; the ring symbolizes a promise of marriage to those around me, but it also represents invisible feelings and beliefs.
8. Electric kettle; represents the daily ritual of a traditional custom of drinking cups of tea, almost to the point of it becoming a pattern.
9. The latest smartphone; seen as the in-thing to own and use, it is now seen to be odd in my culture if one does not have a cellular phone, let alone one with Internet access.
10. Cross-shaped necklace; most would presume it represents my religion, but I actually wear it purely because it is a beautiful piece of jewelry, and it does not bother me that presumptions can be made when I wear it.
MATERIAL AND NONMATERIAL CULTURE 4
What has this exercise revealed about my culture? I realize that not all cultures are the same, and each one has its own beliefs and values, however, I believe that our