Understanding Culture Through Becker and the Nacirema

 

Understanding Culture Through Becker and the Nacirema

1. Becker’s Definition of Culture and My Own Definition

Howard Becker defines culture as a set of shared beliefs, norms, and values that guide the behavior of individuals within a society. He emphasizes that culture is not static but rather dynamic, constantly evolving through interactions among its members.

Based on everything we have covered, my own definition of culture is: Culture is the complex system of shared meanings, practices, symbols, and values that shape the behaviors, beliefs, and identity of a group of people. It serves as both a lens through which individuals interpret their experiences and a framework that influences social interactions and community cohesion.

2. Culture as a “Toolkit”

Sociologist Ann Swidler introduced the concept of culture as a “toolkit,” suggesting that individuals draw from a variety of cultural resources to navigate their lives and make decisions. This metaphor implies that culture provides people with a set of tools—habits, skills, and styles—that they can utilize in different contexts.

What is in the “Cultural Toolkit”?

The “cultural toolkit” includes:

– Symbols: Items or gestures that carry particular meanings (e.g., national flags, religious icons).
– Values: Core beliefs that guide behavior (e.g., individualism, collectivism).
– Norms: Expectations about how to behave in specific situations (e.g., etiquette).
– Practices: Activities or rituals that are part of daily life (e.g., celebrations, rites of passage).
– Language: The means of communication that reflect cultural perspectives (e.g., idioms, dialects).

These tools allow individuals to adapt to various social settings and make sense of their experiences.

3. The Culture Described in the Nacirema Article

The Nacirema article describes a culture that initially appears strange and ritualistic to outsiders but ultimately reflects many aspects of American culture. The Nacirema people perform various rituals centered around personal hygiene and body image, such as visiting “the shrine” (which refers to bathrooms or health care facilities) and engaging in practices that may seem excessive.

Analysis

– Primitive or Advanced: While the Nacirema may seem primitive due to their rituals, they actually mirror advanced societal concerns about health and beauty.
– Foreign or Familiar: Their practices may feel foreign because of the exaggerated descriptions, yet they resonate with familiar American practices focused on health, beauty standards, and consumerism.

4. Components of Nacireman Culture

In the Nacireman culture, various components can be identified:

– Material Objects: The “shrines” where rituals are performed represent places filled with personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorants, and other hygiene products.
– Symbols: The act of the “holy-mouth-men” refers to dentists, symbolizing the importance placed on oral health.
– Language: Terms like “rituals,” “shrines,” and “ceremonies” illustrate how language is used to frame everyday practices in a culturally specific way.
– Values: The emphasis on physical appearance and health reflects values placed on beauty and well-being.
– Norms: Ritualistic behaviors surrounding daily hygiene practices establish norms within their society regarding cleanliness.

5. Cultural Definitions from Friends and Family

Responses from Friends/Family

I asked two individuals about what culture means to them:

1. Friend 1 (Age 28, Caucasian): They defined culture as “the shared customs and traditions of a group that shape their worldview.” They emphasized the importance of tradition in shaping identity.

2. Family Member (Age 55, Hispanic): They described culture as “the values, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations,” highlighting the role of family heritage in defining cultural identity.

Similarities and Differences

Similarities:

– Both responses acknowledged the importance of shared customs and practices in shaping identity.
– Both recognized that culture is dynamic and can evolve over time.

Differences:

– My friend emphasized traditions more heavily, while my family member highlighted generational transmission.
– My family member’s response reflected a more personal connection to heritage compared to my friend’s broader perspective.

Comparison to My Definition

My definition aligns with both perspectives by recognizing culture as a complex system influenced by shared meanings and practices. However, I place greater emphasis on the adaptability and evolving nature of culture.

Influence of Demographics

Demographics such as age, ethnicity, and personal experiences shape how individuals understand culture. For example:

– Age: Younger individuals might emphasize contemporary cultural practices (e.g., technology), while older individuals might focus on traditions.
– Ethnicity: Cultural definitions may reflect personal heritage and community ties more strongly for those with rich cultural backgrounds.

These factors contribute to diverse understandings of culture, illustrating its multifaceted nature across different contexts.

Conclusion

Understanding culture through Becker’s definitions and the examination of the Nacireman article reveals the complexity and depth inherent in cultural systems. By exploring various components of culture and gathering insights from others, we gain a richer appreciation for how culture shapes our identities and influences our interactions within society.