Cultural influence

Definition

Cultural influence refers to the ways in which a society's values, beliefs, practices, and art impact individuals and groups within that society. It plays a significant role in shaping people's behaviors and thoughts, often dictating social norms and expectations. This influence can be observed through literature, art, religion, and various social structures that inform personal and collective identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural influence shapes individual identity by providing a framework of norms and values that guide behavior and decision-making.
2. Literature from the 18th and 19th centuries often reflects cultural influences that reveal societal attitudes toward issues like class, gender, and race.
3. Art movements during this period were heavily influenced by prevailing cultural narratives, showcasing how creativity responds to social contexts.
4. Cultural influences can create both cohesion and conflict within societies as differing groups negotiate their beliefs and practices.
5. Changes in cultural influence can lead to shifts in social norms, as seen during periods of significant historical events such as revolutions or reform movements.

Review Questions

• How does cultural influence affect individual identity within a society?
  • Cultural influence plays a crucial role in shaping individual identity by providing a set of norms and values that individuals internalize. As people grow up in a specific culture, they adopt its beliefs, practices, and expectations, which guide their behavior and decision-making. This process of socialization helps individuals navigate their roles within society while also allowing them to contribute to the ongoing evolution of cultural norms.
• Discuss how literature from the 18th and 19th centuries reflects cultural influences present during that time.
  • Literature from the 18th and 19th centuries often mirrors the cultural influences of its era, addressing issues such as class structure, gender roles, and race relations. Authors used their works to critique societal norms or reinforce prevailing attitudes. For example, novels often depicted the struggles of characters against societal expectations or highlighted changes in moral thought, thus illustrating how literature serves as both a reflection of and response to cultural dynamics.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural hegemony on societal beliefs during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Cultural hegemony significantly shaped societal beliefs during the 18th and 19th centuries by establishing dominant ideologies that marginalized alternative perspectives. The ruling classes often dictated what was considered 'normal' or 'acceptable,' influencing everything from literature to education. This manipulation created an environment where dissenting views struggled for visibility, affecting social cohesion and resistance movements as people began to challenge these dominant narratives in search of greater representation and equality.

Related terms

Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors that are considered appropriate in their culture.

Cultural hegemony: A concept introduced by Antonio Gramsci that describes how the ruling class can manipulate the culture of a society so that their imposed worldview becomes the accepted cultural norm.

Cultural relativism: The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of another culture, promoting understanding and tolerance.