Society refers to physical groups of people while culture is learned behavior socially transmitted. Yes, culture and society are one thing from two different perspectives. For instance, Sociology is a study of Society while Anthropology is a study of culture. Basically, both studies are mutually reinforcing, giving us tools for both large-scale and small-scale observation and understanding. “Societies” are built, for the most part, from the values our cultures have bestowed upon us. They also are the “Petri dishes” which give birth to cultural changes. Culture is made by the people in a particular society, and society needs culture to keep it stable. Afterall, they are all rules made by human beings when living as a whole. Culture consists of patterns, explicit and implicit of and for behavior acquired and transmitted by symbols constituting the distinctive achievement of human groups, including their embodiment in artifacts being produced by the Society. In essence, culture constitutes the distinctive achievement of human groups which includes all museum collections that are material evidence of man and its environments which are historical, cultural, scientific, or technological values which are priceless or holistic value materials of both ancient and contemporary things used for commemoration of human existence.
What is Society?
Society refers to physical groups of people which share a common culture and social institutions. In Sociological terms, Society refers to a group of people who live in a definable Community and share the same cultural components. On a broader scale, Society consists of the people and institutions around us, our shared beliefs and our cultural ideas, political authorities, etc. for example, many Societies also share political authority like China and the United States. Both are technologically advanced, have dense network of transportation and communications, rely on foreign trading partners for large portions of their economies, focus on education as a way to advance their citizens, and have large expansive militaries like the Yoruba trades and warlords in the olden days.
What is Culture? Culture in the global Community in which we find ourselves has various cultural values that many society people are showcasing. As the Society is dynamic and not static, all the cultural aspects in the society keep on changing. Culture is very universal and well pronounced in the African continent in which Nigeria with multicultural and multiple ethnics can be used as reference point. Culture encompasses the belief, norms and values, customs and practices that characterize a group of people. Culture is known as:
•a shared identity: it provides a shared identity among members of a Society. It shapes how individuals see themselves and their place within the Community, fostering a sense of belonging.
•Serves as social cohesion: it promotes social cohesion by establishing common values and norms that guide behavior. This helps to maintain order and reduces conflicts within Society.
•An agent of communication and interaction: Language, a key component of culture, is essential for communication. It enables individuals to express thoughts, share ideas, and build relationships all of which are fundamentals of societal functioning.
•Means of transmission of knowledge: it is the means by which knowledge, tradition and practices are passed down through generations. This transmission is crucial for societal continuity and development.
•Influence on institution: crucial values influence social institutions such as family, education, religion and government. These institutions, in turn, shape societal structure and norms.
•Adaptation and change: as Societies evolve, their culture adapt to new circumstances, technologies and interactions with other cultures. This dynamic relationship allows societies to grow and respond to challenges.
•Diversity and pluralism: in multicultural Societies like Nigeria, different cultural groups coexist enriching the social fabric. This diversity can lead to innovation and a broader understanding of human experiences.
Types of culture: There are two types of culture: (a) Material Culture: this refers to the objects (collections) or belonging of a group of people in the Society such as automobile, stores and physical structures including where people worship (tangible cultural heritage) and (b) Non-material culture: this in contrast, consists of ideas, attitudes and beliefs of society (Intangible heritage). So, culture encompasses human elements beyond Biology (plants and animals).For instance, our norms and values, the stories we tell, learned or acquired behavior displayed in Society. Culture is a tool that differentiates one group or Society from the next.
Importance of culture in the society: Culture is the life of a vibrant Society expressed in many ways; we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are and helps us see the world through eyes of others. In addition to its intrinsic value, culture provides important social and economic benefit with improved learning and health, increased tolerance and opportunities to come together with others in Society.
It also enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individual and communities as a whole. Cultural experiences are opportunities for leisure, entertainment, learning, and sharing experiences with others. Culture brings people together from museums to theatres, to dance studios, to public libraries, etc.
Cultural heritage broadens opportunities for education and lifelong learning including a better understanding of history.
Lastly, culture helps build social capital, the glue that holds communities together.
Summarily, society and culture are interdependent. Culture shapes societal structure and behaviours, as society provides the context in which culture is expressed and evolved. Their relationship is fundamental to understanding human interactions and culture deeply intertwined and inseparable for several reasons and purposes.
•Isola is Assistant Director, Museums, National Museum Ile-Ife.
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