Question

What is culture? why do cultures differ? what is the relationship between culture and biology?

Answer 1

1. Culture refers to a set of beliefs, norms, values, behaviors and objects that members of a certain social group or society share, or have in common with each other. A type of culture for instance, can be western culture, which is typically characterized by individuality, modern and developed infrastructure, high literacy levels, etc. 

2. Cultures differ because people live in different geographical locations and are subject to different social roles, opportunities, education levels and day-to-day responsibilities. For instance a woman who lives on a remote farm belongs to a different culture compared to a woman who is a top executive at a multi-national company. Similarly, members of society who belong to the upper class belong to a different culture compared to members of society who live below the poverty line.

3. The relationship between culture and biology is characterized by certain features of culture that serve to propagate the human species and protect it from harm. Most if not all cultures promote sexual intercourse and reproduction to save the human species from extinction. Similarly, most cultures have laws to protect from crime in order to maintain safety and harmony in society.