Definition of Culture

The word culture has many different meanings to the average person. For some, it refers to an
appreciation of good literature, music, art, food, governments, buildings, and other manmade things.
These, however, are merely the manifestations of culture; they are not culture in themselves. In sociology,
we define culture as the full range of learned human behaviour patterns. It refers to everything that people
create or develop. Values, norms, goals, and culture in general, develop as people interact with one
another over time. It includes beliefs, values, behaviours, and physical objects that create a people’s way
of life. In a sense, people create their culture, and this culture, in turn, shapes their behaviour.
According to Tylor (1871), culture is ‘that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law,
morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.’
Linton (1945) defines culture as ‘the way of life of [a society’s] members; the collection of ideas and
habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generation.’
In sum, culture encompasses the total way of life of individuals in a given society. It creates a sense of
belonging and identity among people who share the same beliefs and values. With this in mind, it is
important to note that culture is not static, that is, it is not constant over time and space. Every society has
its own ideas of what are acceptable or unacceptable forms of behaviour. These ideas themselves change
over time and vary among individuals. For instance, the members of a particular gang may gauge stealing
as an acceptable form of behaviour while members of a prayer group will judge this action as deviant.