Human Culture: Evolution, Dimensions, and Societal Impact
Culture as a Humanizing Factor
In the evolutionary process of human beings, from earlier forms of primates until now, there has been not only a process of hominization (the appearance of the genus Homo and its species, as a set of physical changes) but also a process of humanization (the emergence of species that can be considered truly human). This is the process by which humanity is formed. What truly differentiates us from other animals is the appearance of culture.
Dimensions of Human Existence
- Biological Dimension: This refers to the biological and genetic determination with which we come into the world.
- Cultural Dimension: This consists of all that is socially acquired: knowledge, skills, habits, norms, and lifestyles.
We define culture as all information acquired through social learning. Animals also possess a form of culture, as they are capable of transmitting social behaviors, but their primary mode of learning is through imitation. Humans, while also learning by imitation, possess their own unique way of transmitting culture: language. Language allows for thinking and understanding of reality. This information can be transmitted without the need for direct contact between individuals in a group, allowing for the transmission and assimilation of new behaviors, and cultural content is inherited from generation to generation. Language is the cause of the cumulative nature of cultural information.
Defining Human Culture
Human Culture: The set of socially acquired information transmitted through language. Thanks to this culture, humans adapt the environment to themselves, rather than adapting themselves to the environment, giving rise to a unique cultural adaptation.
Fundamental Contents of Human Culture
Human culture encompasses various types of information:
1. Descriptive Information
This type of information explains and represents reality, allowing us to understand the operation and characteristics of our environment. It can be grouped into several types, depending on the degree of certainty and objectivity they provide:
- Science
- Popular beliefs
For example: The information on a sweater label regarding its manufacturer, size, and composition.
2. Practical Information
Practical information provides guidelines for action. It teaches us to perform tasks effectively and trains us for the development of environmental modification techniques.
For example: Knowing how to make a sweater, how to wash it, and how to use a washing machine.
3. Evaluative Information
This information causes feelings of attraction or rejection towards what surrounds us. It allows us to estimate what is desirable and worthy of esteem, or otherwise. It encompasses possessions, norms, prejudices, and political and ethical values.
For example: Choosing one type of sweater over another, holding negative views on certain fashion trends, or opposing the commercialization of fur coats.
4. Cultural Stances
Each person reacts differently to others with cultural differences. These reactions can manifest as:
- Ethnocentrism: This refers to people who value and judge other cultures based on their own cultural standards and beliefs. Believing their own culture is superior, they often despise and criticize different ones. These attitudes are frequently based on imperialism and and colonization.
- Racism: Racism refers to any belief, attitude, or behavior based on the consideration that there are superior races. It promotes the marginalization and isolation of a group of people based on their race, religion, and so on.
- Xenophobia: Xenophobia is an attitude of contempt and rejection of everything foreign, different, or unusual. It is often caused by fear or ignorance.