Characteristics of Culture

·      Culture is man-made

Culture is man-made because it does not arise naturally but is created, shaped, and modified by human beings through their interactions, experiences, and creativity. It includes language, customs, beliefs, values, arts, laws, and institutions developed to organize social life and meet human needs. Since it is man-made, culture varies from society to society depending on history and environment. For example, in Nepal, the celebration of Dashain—marked by rituals, family gatherings, and traditional practices—is a cultural product created and passed down by people, reflecting social values and beliefs rather than something biologically inherited.

·      Culture is an acquired trait

Culture is an acquired trait because individuals are not born with cultural knowledge, values, or practices but learn them through socialization, interaction, and observation. From childhood, people acquire their language, traditions, norms, and behaviors from family, community, and society, making culture a learned experience rather than an inherited biological trait. For example, in Nepal, children acquire cultural practices such as respecting elders by touching their feet (pranām)—a behavior not innate but taught and passed on through social learning.

·      Culture is a distinct entity

Culture is a distinct entity because it has its own unique identity, features, and expressions that differentiate one group or society from another. Each culture is characterized by particular traditions, customs, language, and belief systems that make it identifiable and separate, even though it may share some similarities with others. For example, the Newar community in Nepal has a distinct culture expressed through its own language (Nepal Bhasa), festivals like Indra Jatra, and unique architectural styles, which set it apart from other cultural groups in the country.

·      Culture is material as well as non-material

Culture is material as well as non-material because it consists not only of physical objects created by humans, such as art, clothing, buildings, and tools, but also of intangible elements like values, beliefs, customs, and traditions. Both aspects are interrelated, as material culture often reflects non-material ideas and meanings within a society. For example, in Nepal, temples and stupas (material culture) symbolize deep spiritual beliefs and religious values (non-material culture), showing how both dimensions work together to shape cultural identity.

·      Culture is transmittable

Culture is transmittable because it is passed from one generation to the next through language, education, traditions, and social practices, ensuring its continuity and preservation over time. This transmission allows societies to maintain shared values and collective identity, while also adapting to new circumstances. For example, in Nepal, folk songs and dances like Deuda in the Far-Western region are transmitted from elders to younger generations during festivals and gatherings, keeping cultural heritage alive across ages.

·      Every culture has utility

Every culture has utility because it serves practical and social purposes that help individuals and communities meet their needs, maintain order, and give meaning to life. Culture provides guidelines for behavior, strengthens social bonds, and offers tools for survival and adaptation in a given environment. For example, in Nepal, the practice of guthi (a traditional social institution) has utility as it organizes community members to manage temples, conduct rituals, and support families during social events, ensuring both religious continuity and social cooperation.

·      Culture is dynamic

Culture is dynamic because it is not static but continuously changes and adapts in response to new ideas, technologies, and interactions with other cultures. This dynamism allows societies to preserve traditions while also embracing innovations to meet changing needs. For example, in Nepal, traditional festivals like Tihar are still celebrated with rituals and lights, but modern practices such as using electric lights instead of oil lamps show how culture evolves while retaining its core meaning.

·      Culture is social, not individual heritage

Culture is social, not individual heritage, because it belongs to a community or society as a whole rather than a single person. It is created, shared, and practiced collectively, giving people a sense of belonging and identity within their group. No individual can have culture in isolation; it exists only through social interaction and shared experience. For example, in Nepal, the celebration of Maghe Sankranti is not limited to one person but observed collectively with family and community members through feasts, fairs, and rituals, reflecting culture as a shared heritage.

·      Culture is symbolic

Culture is symbolic because it uses symbols—such as words, gestures, rituals, and objects—to convey meanings, values, and ideas that go beyond their literal form. Symbols help individuals communicate, interpret, and understand the shared beliefs and norms of their society. For example, in Nepal, the red tika applied on the forehead during Tihar symbolizes blessings, protection, and respect, serving as a cultural symbol that communicates deeper spiritual and social meanings.

·      Culture is learnt

Culture is learnt because individuals acquire it through socialization, observation, instruction, and participation in their community, rather than inheriting it biologically. People internalize cultural norms, values, customs, and behaviors by interacting with family, peers, and society at large. For example, in Nepal, children learn to perform rituals during Chhath Puja by observing elders and participating in the ceremonies, demonstrating how cultural knowledge and practices are passed down through learning.

·      Culture is shared

Culture is shared because it exists collectively within a group or society, providing common norms, values, beliefs, and practices that bind people together. This shared nature enables cooperation, communication, and social cohesion among members of the community. For example, in Nepal, the tradition of celebrating Holi with colors and community gatherings is shared among people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within society.

·      Culture is continuous and cumulative

Culture is continuous and cumulative because it develops gradually over time, building on past knowledge, practices, and experiences, and is transmitted from one generation to the next. This continuity ensures that cultural heritage is preserved while allowing for growth and adaptation. For example, in Nepal, traditional art forms like Paubha painting have been passed down through generations, with each generation adding new techniques and styles, reflecting the cumulative and ongoing nature of culture.

·      Culture is consistent and integrated

Culture is consistent and integrated because its various elements—such as beliefs, values, norms, customs, and material objects—are interconnected, forming a coherent system that guides behavior and social life. Changes in one aspect of culture often influence others, maintaining overall harmony and stability. For example, in Nepal, the caste-based social practices, religious rituals, and dietary customs of the Hindu community are interrelated, reflecting an integrated cultural system that sustains social consistency and identity.

·      Culture is dynamic and adaptive

Culture is dynamic and adaptive because it continuously evolves in response to changes in the environment, technology, social interactions, and external influences, allowing societies to survive and thrive. This adaptability helps communities incorporate new ideas while retaining core traditions. For example, in Nepal, traditional agricultural practices have adapted over time with the introduction of modern irrigation techniques and high-yield crops, showing how cultural practices evolve to meet changing environmental and economic conditions.

10 Definition of Culture

Types of Culture

Culture: meaning and types