Culture

Culture incorporates traditions, history, origins/roots and heritage (passed down through the generations). According to Sir Edward Burnett Taylor (1891) an early anthropologist culture is

“that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and any other capacities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (cited in Guidelines International 1999 p8)

Culture can be classified as:
Idealist – ideas, values and beliefs. These are intangible. Often conveyed I language and religion.
Materialist – tangible products: beliefs, values, behaviour and material objects shared by a group of people. This is reflected in clothing, diet and use of time. It encompasses all patterns of life within society. This is transmitted from one generation to the next but can be subject to change.


Components of culture

1. Language – most important means of transmitting culture
2. Values – standards by which members of a culture define what is desirable or undesirable [ethics and morals]
3. Norms – rules and expectations by which a society guides the behaviour of its members. Only by being brought up in a culture can you know these [e.g. queuing behaviour varies from culture to culture, English tea at 4pm with jam and scones]
4. Mores – (pronounced more-ays) norms with moral significance such as taboos. Mores are usually supported by law [e.g. incest is forbidden]
5. Folkways – etiquette not really related to moral significance [e.g. men giving up seat for ladies]
6. Social contracts – norms which promote conformity – sanctions on behaviour [e.g. queues]
7. Material culture – reflected in marketing and advertising of man-made products. The state of society’s advancement (social, economic and technological) is reflected in consumer products and employment patterns (e.g. agricultural to post-industrial)


Sub cultures – cultural patterns that differ from the dominant culture in some significant ways. This could be ethnicity, social class, age, occupations, location (country bumpkin Vs city slickers)

Counter cultures – behaviour conflicting with dominant culture, anti-social behaviour

Culture shock – personal disorientation experienced when in an unfamiliar environment


How do we know about culture?

1. Culture is learned – gives framework for how to behave – norms for society
2. Culture is commoditised for tourism – local people and traditions are packaged for tourists

CULTURE AND TOURISM

1982 – understanding culture was important to 48% of frequent travellers
1992 – understanding culture was important to 88% of frequent travellers

Culture is becoming more important as a travel motivator. Reasons for this:
1. A more highly educated public – increased numbers on higher education
2. More disposable income
3. Less leisure but a greater emphasis on quality time experiences
4. Older age categories – aging baby boom generation
5. More women – disproportionate share of cultural package – particularly coach tours
Based on Tourism Management vol 6 no 5 1995


* Language and religion is very important
* Culture is learnt and shared
* Culture can be identified by tangible things

Destinations – I the 1950s and 60s there was rapid development and anonymous structures were build. More recently planning regulations often say buildings must be more distinctive. Destinations can reinforce their image by using cultural images/icons such as traditional dress and food. These are important in promoting destinations.

Links

UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport

European Commission Culture

The Maasai, Tourism and Kenyan Culture

A community built guide to cross-cultural etiquette & understanding