Understanding Human Society: An Introduction to 7 Cultural Universals

Understanding Human Society: An Introduction to 7 Cultural Universals

Human beings have been characterized as social animals, capable of living and thriving in coexistence with others, owing to their intrinsic need to belong and form communities. The fundamental principles, norms, and patterns of these social bonds form distinctly characteristic cultures. Culture is a way of life for a group of people, consisting of their beliefs, values, customs, and traditions that shape their interaction with one another, their environment and the world. In this article, we explore the seven cultural universals, which are fundamental elements of every society worldwide.

1. Language:

Language is a universal aspect of human culture enabling us to articulate thoughts, and express our emotions. Every culture has its unique language, its pronunciation, its own grammar, and vocabulary. Language distinguishes one place from another, enabling people to interact, communicate, and transfer ideas.

For example, the use of the Hindi language distinguishes and defines the culture in India and its people. Similarly, the Chinese dialects define their cultures, enabling communication within the country while restricting communication with the outside world. Language plays a fundamental role in transmitting culture from one generation to the next, providing continuity in terms of our cultural heritage and history.

2. Art and Aesthetics:

Art plays a crucial part in human societies, as it is a reflection of the individual’s or society’s culture, customs, traditions, and tastes. Every culture has unique forms of art, music, literature, and theatre which reflect their beliefs and customs, telling stories of their history, and passing down their values from one generation to another.

For example, the Nalukettu architecture of Kerala, India, tells the story of the region’s traditional joint family structure and the importance placed on family values and beliefs. Similarly, the Maori warriors’ Haka in New Zealand tells their story of strength and unity.

3. Religious and spiritual beliefs:

Religion and spirituality play a vital role in the formation and continuation of most cultures worldwide; this emphasizes the unity of the community. Religious and spiritual beliefs and practices define the values that people live by and often underpin moral and ethical models.

For example, Islam’s core belief in unity is expressed in its practice of five daily prayers, performed together in a mosque to enhance the connection, bonding, and solidarity between people. Similarly, the yearly re-enactment of the Christian Passion of Christ celebrates the faith, the tenacity of the faithful, and allows the community to bond through acknowledgment of suffering.

4. Social Organization:

Social organization refers to the arrangement of people in a culture, which includes the family and kinship systems, the specialization of labour, social classes and social mobility, political organization, and governance. Social organization shapes the interaction of each person with others in the community, and it is the yardstick by which individuals’ success, status, and values are measured.

For example, women’s rights groups have perpetuated the need to reorganize spousal and marital relationships, challenging previously held values. Similarly, the restructuring of power during the apartheid era in South Africa was marked by profound political and cultural changes, the manifestations of which still resonate in the country’s contemporary polity.

5. Technology:

Technology refers to the tools, materials, and technical knowledge needed in daily life for agriculture, weaving, hunting, building, navigation, and other aspects of material existence. Technology shapes the evolution of individual societies and the broader world – enabling increased efficiency in daily living and supporting growth and economies.

For example, the introduction of the steam engine, leading to the industrial revolution in the 18th century, transformed the world. Similarly, the advent of computers and mobile technologies in the last century has changed the way we live, work, and conduct business.

6. Economic Systems:

Economic systems are the ways in which societies produce and distribute goods and services. Economic systems vary profoundly from region to region and reflect key cultural values such as the importance of the family, the individual, the community, and the state.

For example, collectivization in China introduced a system against private farming, resulting in poverty and hunger. Similarly, Nordic countries place great importance on their welfare systems, largely funded by the state through taxation.

7. Cultural values:

Cultural values define the standards, goals, and ideals by which a community interacts, including the characteristic systems of morals, ethics, manners, and law. They reflect what is considered desirable, honorable, and right in society.

For example, democracy reflects the cultural value of freedom, where every individual’s right to vote and choose the government trumps other considerations. Similarly, the Japanese value group harmony, which encourages agreement and discourages confrontation.

Conclusion

Understanding human society and culture is a complex and ongoing process that involves the exploration of the intricate links between civilization, history, and identity. The seven cultural universals provide an excellent framework for the exploration, definition, and understanding of the unique cultural attributes of people worldwide.

In summary, these seven cultural universals explore language, art and aesthetics, religious and spiritual beliefs, social organization, technology, economic systems, and cultural values deeply ingrained in human history. Being aware of these cultural universals enables a better understanding of our shared humanity, providing a framework through which an appreciation and celebration of the diversity of human experiences worldwide can be attained.

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