Culture
1. (A) Choose the correct alternative and complete the statements.
(1) Culture is ___. (natural, personal, adaptive)
Answer: adaptive.
(2) Material culture is ___. (concrete, abstract, intangible)
Answer: concrete
(3) Bollywood music is an example of ___. (high culture, popular culture, folk culture)
Answer: popular culture.
1. (B) Correct the incorrect pair.
(1) (i) Classical singing of Bhimsen Joshi – High culture
(ii) Shakespeare’s literature – Folk culture
(iii) Harry Potter book – Popular culture
(iv) Religious group – Sub-culture
Answer: Corrected pair: Shakespeare’s literature – High culture
Corrected list:
(i) Classical singing of Bhimsen Joshi – High culture
(ii) Shakespeare’s literature – High culture
(iii) Harry Potter book – Popular culture
(iv) Religious group – Sub-culture
1. (C) Identify the appropriate term from the given options.
Folk culture, Material culture, Popular culture
1. Songs transmitted from one generation to the next: Folk culture
2. Use of mobile phone today: Material culture
1. (D) Correct underlined words and complete the sentence.
(1) Belief in superstition is an example of material culture.
Answer: Belief in superstition is an example of non-material culture.
(2) E-commerce is an example of popular culture.
Answer: E-commerce is an example of material culture.
2. Write short notes.
(1) Characteristics of culture
Answer: Culture has several key characteristics:
- Acquired: Culture is learned through socialization, not innate.
- Abstract: It exists in the minds and habits of people, seen through behavior patterns.
- Shared: Culture is common to a group, fostering unity and belonging.
- Man-made: It is a human creation, dependent on societal interaction.
- Idealistic: Culture embodies the ideals and norms a group strives for.
- Transmitted: It is passed down through generations via language and interaction.
- Changing: Culture evolves over time, influenced by migration, globalization, and technology.
- Varies: Each society has a unique culture, differing in values and practices.
- Integrated: Cultural elements are interconnected, forming a cohesive system.
- Language-driven: Language is a primary vehicle for transmitting culture.
(2) Social benefits of culture
Answer: Culture fosters social solidarity and cohesion by:
- Building social capital: It strengthens community bonds through shared activities like festivals.
- Promoting inclusion: Cultural participation enhances tolerance and community empowerment.
- Fostering pride: Shared heritage creates a sense of belonging and civic pride.
- Economic benefits: Cultural events and tourism (e.g., Taj Mahal) create jobs and infrastructure.
- Enhancing well-being: Participation in arts and cultural activities improves mental and physical health, reducing isolation and promoting intercultural understanding.
3. Write differences.
(1) Material culture and Non-material culture
| Aspect | Material Culture | Non-material Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Concrete and tangible | Abstract and intangible |
| Examples | Clothing, computers, roads | Norms, values, beliefs, knowledge |
| Change | Changes quickly (e.g., technology) | Changes slowly (e.g., traditions) |
| Role | Enhances quality of life | Guides behavior and social interactions |
(2) Folkways and Mores
| Aspect | Folkways | Mores |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mildly enforced social expectations | Strictly held beliefs about behavior |
| Enforcement | Informal, less serious consequences | Strong social pressure, serious violation |
| Examples | Table manners, greeting habits | Honesty, respect for elders |
| Impact | Guides everyday interactions | Maintains social order, moral standards |
4. Explain the following concept with an example.
(1) Subculture
Answer: A subculture is a group within a larger society that shares distinct values, norms, or behaviors that differentiate it from the mainstream culture.
- Example: The punk subculture, characterized by unique fashion (e.g., leather jackets, spiked hair), music (punk rock), and anti-establishment attitudes, distinguishes itself from mainstream societal norms.
(2) Folk culture
Answer: Folk culture refers to the traditional practices, customs, and expressions of ordinary people, often in pre-industrial societies, passed down through generations.
- Example: Lavani dance in Maharashtra, a traditional folk performance with vibrant music and storytelling, reflects the cultural heritage of rural communities.
5. Complete the concept map.
Answer: Components of culture
- Symbols
- Language
- Knowledge
- Values and Beliefs
- Norms
6. Give your personal response.
(1) Very few people make an effort to learn Classical music today.
Answer: Classical music, like that of Bhimsen Joshi or Mozart, requires dedication and patience, which may deter people in today’s fast-paced world. The rise of popular music and digital entertainment offers instant gratification, overshadowing the depth of classical forms. However, efforts to promote classical music through education and accessible platforms could revive interest, as it enriches cultural understanding and emotional expression.
(2) It is not easy to give up superstitious beliefs.
Answer: Superstitious beliefs, being part of non-material culture, are deeply rooted in tradition and personal identity, making them resistant to change. For instance, practices like avoiding black cats are often tied to family teachings or cultural narratives. Education and awareness can help, but challenging these beliefs requires sensitivity, as they provide comfort and meaning for many, even if they lack rational basis.
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