Definition of culture is a topic of in-depth discussion. There is no single definition of culture, and moreover there is no unanimity among different thinkers. The renowned scholars Mr. A.L. T. Parsons and Korelaber have defined 'culture' in an article they wrote about the Concepts of Culture and Social Systems American Sociological Review as “a complex of ideas, values, and other meaningful symbols that are used by men to influence human behaviour and how it is transmitted from generation to generation.” This sounds like the most closely correct definition of this term.
Another author states that culture refers to “a set of values and ideas, anti facts and other meaningful symbols that assist individuals in communicating, interpreting, and evaluating their roles as members of society.” Another writer believes that culture is a collection of socially acquired values that society accepts and transmits to its members via language and symbols. A culture can also be described as “the largest group of people with a distinct social heritage”.
Many philosophers believe that culture is an abstract, material element that is hard to define. Culture is difficult to define because it “focuses on the broadest part of social behaviour in all societies”. While sociologists, psychologists, and anthropologists focus on one part of the society, culture studies the whole fabric of it. Culture, in other words, requires the study of every aspect of the society, including language, knowledge and religions, food customs, music, technology, work patterns, products, as well as other anti-facts that give the society its unique flavour. Culture is, in a sense, a society’s personality.
It is impossible to define culture because it is impossible to define a society’s personality. This problem becomes more challenging for countries such as India, which has a long history and people from different cultures, languages, and religions. They have also settled in different parts of the country over the centuries. Similar to India, there is a wide range of beliefs and races in other countries due to the settlement of people from different parts. Many other countries also have a variety of cultures.
Despite so many differences, culture gives society a sense uniqueness, common identity, common understanding, and thoughts that are shared by all.
Behaviours and Attitudes Influenced By Ones Culture:
Personality, i.e. the sense of self and society.
Language is i.e. communication.
Dress and attires
Food habits, Cuisine and recipes
The belief system of religion and religious faiths.
The customs of marriages, religions, and social customs.
Social relationship (system that includes marriage, family structure, and relationships, as well as social and religious organizations, government)
Education system, role of churches and temples, mosques, etc. on education system) i.e. mental process of behavior (formal and religious symbols as well as colleges, technical institutes, universities, etc. ).
Products and work habits. They vary widely from one country to another and from region to region.
Time value (punctuality and late arriving work hours, rest hours, etc.
Values and norms (discussed further).
Beliefs, faiths, and religions (religion – vegetarianism – meat eating, nonviolence, fate, luck, and so forth).
Festivals
Art, music, pictures, TV. Radio, movies, theatres, etc.
Innovation and technology.
Services and products
Knowledge.
The laws of the Government, social traditions and laws enacted by religion.