culture and society essay

Essays About Culture and Society: Top 5 Examples

Culture and society are complicated topics that can’t exist without each other. See our essays about culture and society examples and prompts for your writing.

Writing essays about culture and society is common among those taking social and cultural studies. As its name suggests, this field explores past and present customs and beliefs within society. This area offers career opportunities in education, medicine, human resources, and others. Creating an essay about this subject requires cultural and social knowledge gained through reliable sources and personal experience.

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5 Essay Examples

1. the concept of culture and society by alex adkins, 2. native american culture and society by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. society, culture, and civilization essay by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 4. cultural norms and society by lucille horton, 5. the impact of culture & society on the children’s development by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 1. defining culture and society, 2. the importance of culture and society, 3. culture and society: the medieval era, 4. the american culture and society today, 5. the influence of korean culture on today’s society, 6. how media influences culture and society, 7. culture and society: lgbtqia+.

“Culture, as often defined in most sociology textbooks, is the way of life of a society. It is the sum of the ideas, beliefs, behaviors, norms, traditions, and activities shared by a particular group of people. According to Giddens (1989), any society cannot exist without a culture.”

Adkin’s essay contains several passages explaining the concept, role, and importance of culture and society. He describes culture as a vital aspect of society, referring to it as the one that binds its citizens. To further discuss the role of culture in society, Adkin mentions Japanese and Chinese cultures to prove that culture sets the difference between societies.

As for society, Adkin says that culture builds and facilitates social institutions to interact with each other. These include family, religion, government, etc., which are responsible for the development of an individual and the type of society. He explains that society changes because of culture. As a person grows up, they are exposed to different situations and realizations that give them new perspectives affecting their cultural heritage.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about culture shock .

“Native Americans are the native people of the North, Central, and South America. There are many types of Native Americans such as Arikara, Iroquois, Pawnee, Sioux, Apache, Eskimo, Cree, Choctaw, Comanche, etc. Cherokee people have a diverse society and culture.”

While the author lists various types of Native American societies, they focus on one prominent tribe from the Iroquoian lineage, the Cherokee. The author shares fascinating facts about the tribe.

The author describes why the Cherokee refer to themselves as cavemen, and Cherokee women are powerful but still equal to men, explaining their matrilineal society. As one of the civilized tribes in America, the Cherokees are a diverse society that accepts other tribes, but they cannot marry someone from the same clan. Cherokee culture includes the Booger mask dance and the Iroquoian language.

“Society can comprise people groups that have not developed civilization yet, as it concerns any relationship of the individuals. Culture is prior to civilization since it shapes the communities, making them highly adaptive to the specific conditions in which they live. Civilization is dependent on both concepts because it absolutizes societal norms and traditions and elevates material culture and virtues to the most complicated stage.”

To understand the concept of man, the author describes society as a group of families conforming to a particular set of customs and practices known as culture. On the other hand, civilization results from prolonged and continuous changes in culture and society. The writer believes that although they are different from each other, these three constructs are interrelated and essential to complete the whole sequence of the modern human experience.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about globalization .

“Different countries have different cultures. This is because different countries are composed of multitudes of different norms. Norms are commonly established when a majority of the society’s population practice a particular or common habit of living.”

In this essay, the writer defines society as an association, culture as a collection of characteristics, and norms as standard practices. Since society is defined by culture, historical events, and norms that define culture, and culture is the most potent aspect of civilization, Horton views cultural norms as the primary support of society.

The essay also includes examples that explain the topic, such as comparing East and West cultures. Horton believes that while everyone has a different culture, understanding a person’s culture before making a comment or judgment is essential.

“Culture plays an essential job in affecting this improvement, and what is viewed as ‘typical’ advancement change incredibly starting with one culture then onto the next. The general public and culture in which one grows up impact everything from formative developments and child rearing styles to what sorts of hardship one will probably confront.”

In this essay, the author uses their personal experiences to show the real impact of cultural traditions and values on the thought process and worldview as a child grows. As a Muslim, the writer was introduced to various rites and rituals at a young age, such as fasting. They believe this ritual teaches them to control their desires and care for the poor. Ultimately, society significantly impacts youth, but learning about social and cultural differences helps people, especially parents, to guide their child’s developmental process.

7 Prompts for Essays About Culture and Society

The Oxford Dictionary defines culture as a group’s customs, beliefs, and way of life, while society is people living in a community. Use this prompt and be creative in explaining the meaning of culture and society. Explore and use various dictionaries and add quotations from studies and books such as ” Culture and Society, 1780-1950 .” Then, define culture and society by picking the common ideas gathered through this compiled knowledge.

Essays About Culture and Society: The importance of culture and society

Culture is vital to society because one cannot function without the other. For this prompt, delve into the specifics of this connection. Depending on your approach, you can divide the body of your paper into three sections to separate and discuss their importance: culture, society, and culture and society. In the third section, explain the possible impact if one of them does not work correctly. Conclude your essay by summarizing and answering the question, “what is the importance of culture and society?”.

Culture and society constantly change for various reasons, including new technological inventions. For this prompt, identify and discuss the main features and significant influences of the medieval era. Explain the reasons for its changes and why society evolved to new societal norms and cultural changes. Consider whether there’s a chance to bring the positive parts of old cultures and societies to the modern day.

Today, culture in the US is a diverse mix of practices, beliefs, and traditions. This is due to the large number of people immigrating to the US from different countries worldwide. As a culturally diverse country, use this prompt to discuss America’s social and cultural characteristics, such as language, cuisine, music, religious beliefs, and more. Then, explain how Americans keep up with these changes in their normal culture.

Are you interested in writing about diversity? Check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

Essays About Culture and Society: The influence of Korean culture on today's society

If you love music, you’ve probably heard of KPOP or BTS . Korean pop music is just one part of South Korean culture that has traveled globally. In this prompt, discuss the aspects of Korean culture that are prevalent today worldwide. Research when and where these cultural trends began and why they became popular in other parts of the world. To create an engaging essay, conduct interviews with your classmates to ask if they know anything about Korean culture.

Do you want to write about music instead? Check out our essays about music topic guide !

Any form of media, such as print media, music, and the internet, dramatically influences culture and society. For example, streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are hugely influential in today’s society, particularly among young people. In this essay, discuss today’s most popular forms of media and look at how they can influence culture and society. This could be as simple as influencing slang language, fashion, or popular careers such as becoming an influencer.

Recent studies show that the US has shifted its attitude toward the LGBTQIA+ community. With a rise in Americans who embrace new perspectives and now recognize same-sex marriage and parenthood. To effectively discuss the topic, including current issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, such as violence and bullying, and research the steps taken by government organizations to combat it.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Culture vs Society: Similarities, Differences, Examples

Key Points:

Culture: Culture refers to shared norms , values, symbols, traditions and artifacts among a group of people (Meek, 1988).
Society: A society is a group of individuals who socially interact with each other. While these two concepts often interact, they have important differences from each other (Billington et al., 1991).

Members of a society usually have a common, shared culture and have social ties to the same territory. Meanwhile, a culture is not always confined within a single territory.

In contrast with cultures, which consist of customs, traditions, norms, values, symbols, and artifacts, societies feature a population that is organized around political and economic power.

While both cultures and societies can share elements such as a language, religion or faith, societies mostly refer to the populations while culture refers to the values and traditions that populations hold.

A society can include multiple cultures at the same time: Contemporary migration and human movements lead to increased mobility of cultures. As a result, some societies living in immigrant-receiving countries are described as multicultural, referring to the coexistence of multiple cultures within the same society.

An example of a multicultural society is the Canadian society, where different cultures of various immigrant communities are present alongside with Indigenous, British, and French cultures (Cumming, 2020).

Summary: Culture vs Society


People who share customs and traditions	A population / A large group of individuals governed by the same social-political powers
Governed by norms ( and )	Governed by laws
A way to organize people with shared values	A way to organize people with disparate values
Commonly has shared artifacts created by the culture (artworks, architecture)	Oriented around political power and political institutions

Definition of Culture

According to sociology, a culture is composed of people with shared norms, values, symbols, traditions and artifacts (Meek, 1988).

Cultures have both material and non-material components (Vecco, 2010):

Material cultural elements include artifacts such as art, cuisine, architectural works, language, and institutions .
Non-material aspects of a culture, on the other hand, include values, norms, faith and religion (Cumming, 2020).

While material cultural elements usually have a physical presence, non-material elements are abstract and transferred to the next generations through oral history or socialization (Vecco, 2010).

It is important to remember that cultures are not fixed and stable. Despite usually protecting their main characteristics, cultures are subjected to changes over time due to social, political, religious, and historical reasons.

Due to power inequalities and colonialism, some cultures influenced others more strongly, a phenomenon which is defined as cultural imperialism , cultural erasure, and in extreme cases, cultural genocide (Cumming, 2020).

Examples of Culture

In many instances, cultures are associated with an ethnicity, folk group , nationality, or religious group. Below are some examples.

1. French Culture

French culture refers to the common norms, values, traditions, symbols, and artifacts of people of French ethnicity. Architectural works such as the Eiffel Tower, or parts of the cuisine such as the croissant or baguette are well known examples of French cultural elements.

2. Jewish Culture

Another example is the Jewish culture, which is associated both with Judaism, Jewish ethnicity, and Israeli nationality. The Star of David is one of the main symbols which represent the Jewish culture.

Unlike French culture which is dominant in territories with a significant French population (e.g. France, Quebec) or former French colonies (e.g. Senegal), the Jewish culture is present across the globe through communities of various sizes who practice Judaism or have Jewish ancestry.

3. Organizational Culture

Another example is the concept of organizational culture, which refers to norms and values shared by individuals who work under the same organization (Keyton, 2010).

4. Subculture

Subcultures and countercultures are cultural groups that fit within and emerge from a dominant culture .

A subculture is a group of people who fit within a culture, but develop their own unique niche ideas, values, customs, traditions, and hobbies. They still are part of the main culture, but have chosen to develop the culture in a new way.

An example of a subculture is punks. Punks in England, for example, are unequivocally part of English culture (their accents, behaviors, eating practices are still emergent out of English culture). However, they are also unique in their musical tastes and dress codes.

Countercultures emerge out of a culture but reject the culture. They’re often a threat to the main culture. For example, hippies emerged out of 1960s American culture but rejected a core premise: capitalism. They position themselves as against and even a threat to the main culture, and therefore are more than a subculture – they’re a counterculture

Go Deeper: Culture Examples

Definition of Society

A society can be defined as a population, consisting of individuals who socially interact with each other through a network of social organizations and institutions.

Members of a society often live under the same political power and economic power systems, such as the same modern nation-state, or tribal hierarchy.

For example, individuals living under the French nation-state rule, and being subject to the French legal, political, and economic authorities can be referred to as the French society.

But notably, there are people in French society (within the political jurisdiction of France) who don’t fit into French culture, such as immigrants who have not assimilated.

In addition, societies at times share the same political or social territory, such as France as a political territory or Europe as a social territory, referring not only to the continent but also to the shared culture.

While multiple cultures can often coexist in a single society, each society usually has a dominant, mainstream culture.

For example, while tens of different cultures exist in the United States, American society is mostly subject to Anglo-American Protestant norms, rules and values (Kaufmann, 1999).

Societies can also be formed around a non-political group, such as if you join an ‘Architectural society’ for architects, who come together to discuss architecture, but are not associated with a nation-state and its laws.

Examples of Society

The term society is often used to specify a population who comes from a particular culture or heritage, or who shares the same value system (Billington et al., 1991).

1. French Society

In many cases, a society is defined according to its economic or political power system. For example, France is a society that holds many different cultural groups, but are all governed by shared norms.

Of course, within France, we have people of a wide range of cultures. Nevertheless, they share a healthcare system, education system, and democracy, which holds them together as a social group.

2. Agricultural Societies

Most nations and regions have agricultural societies. These are societies that may have regular meetings to discuss how to progress agricultural practices or set basic rules of how to go about farming within a region.

This is not a culture, however, because it’s not oriented around customs and traditions. Anyone who wants to become a farmer may enter the society. The glue holding this society together is not cultural but social – a shared way of making money.

Similarities between Culture and Society

Some features of culture and society heavily overlap. Indeed, any time that we talk about the presence of a society, we can also talk about the presence of a culture.

This is because each society requires social interactions between individuals, and cultures are created and reproduced through these social interactions.

Most societies have a dominant, mainstream culture which is the source of its norms, values, and traditions, as well as its common language and dominant faith or religion (if any).

In addition, both the concept of society and culture are associated with ethnicities, nationalities, territories or religious groups.

Examples include French culture and French society, or the Western culture and the Western society.

Similarly, both cultures and societies often have their own gender roles , kinship organizations, shared norms, values, and traditions.

Often, societies and cultures appear to be synonymous is because cultures influence societies, and the dominant culture may impose its values upon the whole society.

Both cultures and societies are dynamic concepts. In other words, they constantly change and evolve throughout history.

Cultures refers to shared norms, values, customs and traditions, symbols, and artifacts between a group of people (Meek, 1988). Society refers to a population which has continuous social interactions, who share the same territory and a dominant culture.

Therefore, culture and society are two different concepts, as the former refers to a set of norms and values while a society refers to a population or a large social group.

However, many features of cultures and societies overlap. These include the ways that both are affected by social institutions (such as faith or religion).

Also, culture is often present when there is a society, since both heavily rely on the functions of social interactions.

Finally, despite often having historical main elements, both cultures and societies are dynamic concepts that are subject to change and evolution.

Billington, R., Strawbridge, S., Greensides, L., & Fitzsimons, A. (1991). Culture and society: Sociology of culture . Bloomsbury Publishing.

Cumming, S. (2020). Sociology Unlocked . Oxford University Press.

Kaufmann, E. (1999). American exceptionalism reconsidered: Anglo-Saxon ethnogenesis in the “universal” nation, 1776–1850. Journal of American Studies , 33 (3), 437-457.

Keyton, J. (2010). Communication and organizational culture: A key to understanding work experiences . Sage Publications.

Meek, V. L. (1988). Organizational culture: Origins and weaknesses. Organization studies , 9 (4), 453-473.

Vecco, M. (2010). A definition of cultural heritage: From the tangible to the intangible. Journal of cultural heritage , 11 (3), 321-324.

Sanam Vaghefi (PhD Candidate)

Sanam Vaghefi (BSc, MA) is a Sociologist, educator and PhD Candidate. She has several years of experience at the University of Victoria as a teaching assistant and instructor. Her research on sociology of migration and mental health has won essay awards from the Canadian Sociological Association and the IRCC. Currently, she is am focused on supporting students online under her academic coaching and tutoring business Lingua Academic Coaching OU.

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Importance Of Culture Essay: Get Inspired By Our Samples and Tips

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

Every student exploring cultural and other social studies may face the task of writing a thematic essay. This type of educational activity is an independent reflection of a person on a scientific problem, using ideas, cultural backgrounds, associative images from other areas of their own culture, personal experience, and social practice.

Good Essay Sample

Why is it a good essay, an interesting start: let's intrigue the reader.

Body: The Most Informative Block

Logical Conclusion

Speech culture, clothing culture.

Religion Culture

Food Culture

The result of such work can affect a lot of things, including the final grade or the teacher's impression. So, we have prepared some of the most important guidelines for writing an essay. Of course, we will try to give specific examples. Well, let's go for an A +!

This is a good essay on the topic "The Culture and Society" written by Chloe. Some of the principles of creating a first-class work will be explained taking the excerpts from this text as a reference:

"Culture plays an essential role in the life of a person and society. It acts as a means of accumulation, storage, and transmission of human experience. It is the culture that shapes people into who they are as they gain knowledge, learn the language, symbols, values, norms, customs, and traditions. It is the glue that holds all these achievements. To prove this, I conducted research and found out what culture really gives to society.

First, culture helps to develop a variety of skills. Cultural involvement and creative potential were essential to the "universal man" of the Renaissance. One of the most famous examples is Leonardo da Vinci. He combined scientific and writing activities with art. In the modern world, many celebrities agree. Jared Leto is a prime example. He created a rock music band, then developed his acting skills over time. Thus, the desire to master new knowledge in the culture of cinema, music, art helps to develop.

Second, culture creates new needs. The culture of energy-saving and rational use of natural resources covers for such needs as:

creation of infrastructure for sorting and utilization of various types of waste;
installing solar panels on homes;
access to budget electric transport.

For example, in 2017, Tesla Motors presented buyers a model of an electric car worth 35 000 dollars, while now the cost of cars is about 100 000 dollars. Therefore, it is essential for people to preserve nature and not deplete resources, so people are inspired to create new projects to satisfy their needs.

Third, culture contributes to the economy. The turnover of the cultural and creative industries is $1,3 trillion, and the growth rates are outstripping the industries of production and services. Cultural tourism accounts for about 40% of the global industry's revenues and has shown steady growth over the past decade. Thus, throughout the world, culture is an increasingly important source of employment and income.

Fourth, culture helps cities. In 1997, the Guggenheim Museum was opened in the city of Bilbao in northern Spain. The design's originality turned this place into a vibrant landmark that breathed new life into the provincial town. In the first three years of the museum's operation, tourists who visited Bilbao left more than $110 million in regional taxes. This influence of architecture on the urban economy is now called the "Bilbao Effect."

Fifth, culture preserves and transfers knowledge to the whole world. For example, culture conveys knowledge about society's life in southern England in the first half of the 19th century. From what dances were popular to the traditional daily routine. You can glean such information not only from history books but also from the novels of Jane Austen. You can already find London life details at the end of the century in a series of books about Sherlock Holmes.

Thus, culture is truly the glue that holds all achievements together. It is not only complex and diverse but also highly mobile. It is a living process, constantly moving, developing, changing. Culture helps the world to be better in every way. You can draw strength and inspiration from it. I advise all people to learn about culture because it is of great value to the modern world."

Generally speaking, Chloe managed to create a good written work, which is likely to receive a B grade. Her work is concise and covers a variety of cultural aspects.

In Chloe’s essay:

534 words or approximately 1 typed page;
An average reading time is about 4-5 minutes.

Such a volume is enough to concisely explain the importance of cultural features. On the other hand, reflections on cultural differences and the value system are not too long, which will allow the professor to study the work quickly. And this is great because no one likes lengthy "everything and nothing" essays.

However, there are no clear criteria for the volume of essays on cultural studies, as they highly depend on your educational institution. Sometimes short essays are highly rated, and the long ones don't impress the teacher. After all, the most important role is played not by the number of pages of the essay but by its content.

Creating an A+ Importance Of Culture Essay Structure

Writing a good length essay is not enough to prove an understanding culture of the issues. An essay focusing on such a vast topic should have a clear structure. It doesn't matter if you write about material culture, health care, cultural traditions, or globalization — your text should contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion for an excellent mark.

It is important to gradually reveal the topic but not lay out all the trump cards immediately — that is why any essay about socialization or even cultural identity needs an interesting intro.

Let's analyze Chloe’s essay introduction in detail. The advantages are:

It gives a brief overview of what culture is;
The reader is smoothly led to the main body of the essay.

However, there are some disadvantages as well:

The introduction doesn’t hook the reader, it appears monotonous;
There is no focus provided in the intro, making it unclear what the essay is going to be about

In fact, you can do better! The main key — make the introduction more specific. The introduction should be able to explain why a student is exploring a topic of, for example, cultural values or ethnicity.

Also, don’t make the introduction too small. Regardless of which cultural heritage you are going to write, 1-2 sentences will definitely not be enough. Here is an example of what an A+ introduction would look like:

“Culture plays an essential role in the life of a person and society. We feel its presence from early childhood, as it gradually shapes us into who we are. It acts as a means of accumulation, storage, and transmission of human experience, making it a fascinating and diverse topic to study. In this essay, I decided to focus on figuring out how cultural aspects influence our lives nowadays. “

Here the author not only gives the reader a general idea of the topic but also provides information on what the essay will be focusing on in a brief yet intriguing manner.

Body: The Most Informative Block

When creating an essay about material culture, the values of different groups of people, enculturation, and other similar topics, it is important to structure the text. If you have any arguments, main thoughts or provisions, it is better to highlight them at:

Paragraphs — if the essay is quite small (up to 500 words);
Subheadings — if the essay is long enough (more than 500 words).

For example, in Chloe’s, each cultural component of cultural influence on human beings has a separate paragraph.

Here are some additional tips for improving the body of the essay to receive an excellent grade for it:

Make sure it contains enough examples. This will allow you to write about the sense of belonging to different cultures more clearly.
If you are sharing any socialization research, do not forget to attach a link to the source. You can do this in the "Sources" section, or you can highlight a couple of keywords in the text with HTML.

Likewise with the intro, when writing about the daily lives or globalization issues, remember to use linking words .

Let’s take a look at how Chloe’s essay’s main body could be improved using one paragraph as an example:

“Also, culture plays a crucial role in urban development. For instance, in 1997, the Guggenheim Museum was opened in the city of Bilbao in northern Spain. The design's originality turned this place into a vibrant landmark that breathed new life into the provincial town. Notably, in the first three years of the museum's operation, tourists who visited Bilbao left more than $110 million in regional taxes. Since then, this influence of architecture on the urban economy is now called the " Bilbao Effect ."

You can see that the use of linking words ensures a better flow of thought in your written work, contributing to a clear and logical structure. Also, note how the term now contains a link to a reliable source.

We have come to a very important part of the essay, the conclusion. It will allow the professor to understand how deeply the student has understood the topic. Unfortunately, the conclusion of Chloe’s essay is watery and doesn’t provide value to the reader.

Worry not! We will give other ideas for completing your essay on organizational culture or different ways of life topic. As a rule, there are three good tricks for creating a logical ending:

Citations. The most common and easiest way to complete an essay, but not always the most actionable. The teachers are already a little tired of quotes from great people. So, you should do your best with the choice of a suitable quote.
Rhetorical question. Firstly, although rhetorical questions do not require an answer, they involve an invisible dialogue with the reader. Thus, you should present your perspective after the question, and the reader can agree or disagree with it.
Summarizing the author's position. It is a good way to outline the main idea of the work. Make sure that the summary doesn`t turn into a retelling — be brief and just generalize. The goal is to bring the reader to a new level of thinking on a given topic.

Here is an improved variant of Chloe’s essay, providing its summary:

“My research has proven that the importance of culture is difficult to overestimate. A variety of cultural aspects are the glue that holds members of society together. It has been this way in the past and keeps being true until now. Culture is a living process, constantly moving, developing, and changing. Our goal as human beings is to acknowledge its impact on society and contribute to its development.”

Well, the structure is clear! Are you ready to write about Asian culture, modern values, or other interesting topics?

Best Ideas For Culture Essays

Sometimes the head is ready to turn into a melting pot while choosing a suitable topic for writing a culture essay. In fact, you can choose any country or nation from different parts of the world and write about their customs. Also, you can reveal one of such topics:

Material culture in the 20th and 21st centuries
New generation cultural values
Cultural change: how moving to New York will change the norms of human behavior?
The ritual culture in the ancestors’ lives
Globalization and the cultural impact
How to identify a person's culture by dialogue?
Why did the culture of the ancient peoples praise various gods?
Why do some modern people appreciate the culture of ancient traditions?
Will the new cultural norms completely destroy the old traditions?
A cultured person is a good person — is that true?

However, culture is not only about traditions, habits, and upbringing. You can write about certain parts of human life, such as clothing, religion, speech, or food.

Speech is a reflection of a person's inner world. When we feel bad or good, we always try to share it with a friend or family. On the other hand, speech is an indicator of how a person relates to the world around him and how he was brought up.

That is why the culture of speech is a great topic for an essay in which you can reveal the following points:

the impact of the rapid language modernization on the speech culture
profanity and where did the taboo on swearing come from
culture of formal and informal communication

The main points of such essays are usually concluded in a similar thought:

«Speech represents one of the essential characteristics of humanity from other living beings in this world. At the same time, people have figurative speech, so they can transmit some elementary signals and fantasize, use logical thinking, and much more. In fact, having the ability to speak makes us human.»

There are many aesthetic education methods, but the culture of clothing is considered one of the main ones. You can write an essay about:

the formation of aesthetic preferences depending on the particular country culture
business dress culture
the clothing culture in different decades

In addition, the formation of aesthetic taste is influenced by personal characteristics, i.e., age, lifestyle, specialty, place of residence — this topic is also perfect for a culture essay.

Religion Culture

For thousands of years, religion has been an important factor in the cultural life of people. Without faith in something divine, most likely, no nation would exist now in the form in which our contemporaries see it.

For a long time, religion was the only worldview culture system. However, the world does not stand still, so now God`s existence is a huge question — this is why agnosticism and atheism appeared.

In your essay, you can cover the following topics:

How does the country of residence affect the culture of religion?
How do modern culture and religion interact?
Culture in Christian and Muslim families

In general, you can write on any other similar topic because religion is a very wide area with many unanswered questions.

When a tourist arrives in a new country, the first thing to do is trying the local cuisine. And this is the first step towards a foreign culture! Food, its type of presentation and the way of eating, its taste — this is a whole complex of cultural characteristics of a particular nation. For example, in India, you cannot eat with your left hand, and in Muslim countries, pork meat is prohibited.

Thus, you can easily write a culture essay about:

tabooing certain products in different countries
food intake culture and features of national dinners
dining etiquette

All the examples and tips provided will allow you to choose the most interesting topic for creating the perfect culture essay. Enjoy the writing!

Check out our other web pages for more essay help and essay editing . Alternatively, you may wish to use our proofreading services for polishing and perfecting your essay to give you that extra grade boost!

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Tradition — The Importance Of Cultural Traditions

The Importance of Cultural Traditions

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How does Culture Affect Society

This essay will examine the influence of culture on society. It will discuss how cultural values, norms, beliefs, and practices shape societal structures, behaviors, and interactions. The piece will explore the role of culture in defining identity, social cohesion, and the evolution of societies. It will also consider the impact of cultural diversity and the interplay between different cultural groups. At PapersOwl, you’ll also come across free essay samples that pertain to African American Culture.

How it works

There are multiple cultural aspects that influence not only the way we view others, but also how we interact with other people. Culture is a strong part of a person’s life because it determines their views and values. The way individuals grow up within their culture can easily follow throughout their adult life.

As I am African American, my culture is very unique in its own way as are other cultures. My culture focuses on more sentimental things such as important values, religion, language, and art.

People may not understand why African Americans have such harsh language and identify us “ghetto”, because they were simply not raised around that scenery. Others view colored people as “dumb” because they feel they have an advantage. Society may not understand why colored people wear multiple pairs of jewelry. Many people also may not understand why colored people wear extensions for hairstyles. People may not understand why lots of colored people wear shiny lip gloss. People may not even understand why colored people wear different color hair wraps, or turbans. Other cultures think differently towards other people’s lifestyles or cultures because they simply grew up differently or were taught differently. Many from different cultures simply might not understand why people live their life a certain way and may question their lifestyles at times. Ethnicity has everything to do with how a person views the world but mostly has to do with the reaction coming from a person based on a race. For example, In the personal essay, “Two Ways to Belong in America,” the author, Bharati Mukherjee once said, “We would endure our two years in America, secure our degrees, then return to India to marry the grooms of our father’s choosing.” This statement shows that Bharati could have a possible shot at a normal life and planned out the future she wants, but stated in the quote “would” meaning it could be possible could not. As what someone looks like and what others think are two different things it is also two things that make someone believe.

A family only is enough to change a person’s view by others, because others have different perspectives on what family is and what family means to them. In my culture, a family is an important value because we always can talk to each other and know we are protected. Family is the most important influence on a child’s life because parents and family help children form relationships with others by forming the child’s first relationship with parents. Having both parents in the household is important also because it guides the child on the right path in life. Having no active parents in the household can cause them to be troubled kids or cause them to have problems interacting with other people. In the worst-case scenario, the child may eventually disagree with their parent’s views and decide to adventure on their own. For example, in the story “Everyday Use,” the author Alice Walker describes the mother of the story as “ a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands.” Her daughter was ashamed of her masculinity, she viewed others as being judgemental of her family background as she is so she tried more to fit in. In my opinion, most children feeling insecure about their family appearance try to change their appearance to qualify to fit in with society.

Family values are important to have because it holds a family together through all. The essay “An Indian Father’s Plea¨ by Robert Lake states “As his first introduction into his world, he was bonded to his mother and to the Mother Earth in a traditional native childbirth ceremony. And he has been continuously cared for by his mother, father, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and extended tribal family since this ceremony. This was all done in order to introduce him properly into the new and natural world, not the world of artificiality, and to protest his sensitive and delicate soul.” These statements suggest the mother goes on to say how she protects her child by calling his traditional Indian baby basket his” turtle’s shell.” In my opinion, all mothers are overly protected and sensitive about their own children that is a normal reaction. Family values are an important part to have in your culture it brings protection and the feeling of knowing you’re loved by multiple people.

In conclusion, my personal experience I had was in my ninth-grade year, my ninth-grade teacher didn’t like African Americans because she felt like we “didn’t put in enough effort” by that she started to treat all colored people differently that I noticed around me. Not to mention the class was a college prep A.V.I.D, so we did talk about different topics to get to know us, and she still refused to be an open-minded person. This situation didn’t just affect me there was one more colored person in the room, but experiencing this type of treatment I and the others were uncomfortable and non-active in topics. Family and heritage both affect a person’s view from both the world and others’ perspectives. Before a person is put out into the real world after being under protection for so long, people see new things they’re not used to and tend to judge.

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The Importance of Culture

11 January, 2019

11 minutes read

Author: Richard Pircher

Culture can be defined as “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” It can also be understood as the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. Therefore, it’s the shared patterns of our behavior and interaction which are learned through socialization. People of the same culture share a group identity that is fostered by social patterns unique to the group. Culture encompasses for example values, beliefs, symbols, norms, and patterns of behavior. It has a far-reaching impact on our everyday actions, on how we talk and think, what we wear, what we believe, how we sit at the table, and how we behave among other people. But what is the importance of culture in our society? And which components constitute our conception of culture?

Components of culture

Patterns of behavior

What defines culture?

All cultures are characterized by constant change. As a dynamic phenomenon, cultures are under constant change and they must adapt to environmental changes. This is one of the universal features of a culture. After globalization, the world became more interconnected and today most societies consist of ethnically diverse populations. This has given rise to conflicts associated with ethnicity, religion, and ethical beliefs which are all central concepts in cultures. More than ever before, culture is no longer fixed but rather in constant motion. At a time when cultures adapt and become more fluid, a need has been identified to protect and preserve the past. There are organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) whose objectives include conserving and protecting cultural and natural heritage along with the promotion of international cooperation, peace, and security.

what is importance of culture essay sample

To answer the question about the importance of culture, one has to consider its role in people’s everyday lives. Because culture affects how people behave and interact with each other, it helps you build relationships with others when you understand other cultures and perspectives. It’s also good to understand how much in common we have with other people even if at first glance their cultures might seem completely different. We are all humans and have similar needs, hopes, fears, and things that make us happy. It doesn’t mean, however, that our cultural differences don’t matter at all. A better strategy is to acknowledge that differences exist and to fight against discrimination. The world is becoming more and more diverse as different languages, religions, economic and cultural groups blend together. We need to appreciate and understand different cultures and establish relationships with people from other backgrounds. This is the only way to build successful communities, improve our living conditions, and solve problems.

If we take a closer look at the characteristics of culture, we can identify five basic traits that define the concept of culture.

Five characteristics of culture

Based on symbols

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Culture is learned

Culture is learned because it’s not biological or ingrained in our DNA. Children don’t inherit culture from their parents. Instead, they learn it and much of this learning occurs subconsciously without us paying any attention to it. We learn our culture not only from our families but also from institutions, other people, and the media. This process of learning is called enculturation. All humans share the same biological needs, for example, food, water, sleep, shelter, and sex, but the way we choose to fulfill those needs varies across cultures.

Culture is shared

Culture is shared because we share our culture with other members of our group. We know how to interact with these other members and we can predict their behavior based on our knowledge and expectations. The shared nature of culture doesn’t mean, however, that cultures are homogenous.

Culture is integrated

Because the various parts of a culture are interconnected, culture is also integrated. All components of culture are connected to one another and to gain a comprehensive understanding of a culture, one must learn about these different components.

Culture is dynamic

Culture is dynamic because cultures interact with each other. Cultures share ideas and symbols and they adapt to changes in the environment. Since cultures are also integrated, it means that if one component of a culture changes, it will affect all the other components, too, forcing the entire system to adapt.

Culture is based on symbols

Symbols are an integral part of every culture and they vary across different cultures. Cultures not only use symbols but they are also based on them. Symbols get their meaning when people in the same culture agree on how they should be used. Language is the most obvious example of the use of symbols within a culture but other things such as art, clothing, and money can also be defined as symbols.

It should also be pointed out that not all cultural adaptation is positive. Not all cultural practices are adaptive, and there are many examples of cultural adaptation that have been detrimental such as fast food, pollution, and climate change. But due to their dynamic nature, cultures have the ability to adapt and find solutions to these problems.

How does geography affect culture?

What influences our cultures then? One of the most profound of these factors is geography. The development of a culture is largely dependent on its geographical location. For example, locations that are ideal for hunting influence that culture by encouraging people to teach their descendants to hunt, tell hunting stories, and organize ceremonies that celebrate hunting skills. A factor such as hunting can thus become a defining characteristic of that culture. Another good example is the Japanese culture which relies heavily on the attribute of water. The fact that Japan is an island surrounded by water has influenced its culture from its creation myth to natural resources such as fish and growing of rice. Even more so, Japan as an island has historically been limited because of its geography, and this has given rise to art forms such as haiku poems and bonsai trees which are characterized by their limitations. Geography affects cultures from the number of languages spoken in a given area to the clothes people wear, their political ideas, and even religions. For example, on the island of Guinea, people speak more than 800 languages. This is because New Guinea is mountainous and it’s difficult for people from one area to come into contact with people from other areas. These different groups, therefore, learned to keep to themselves and developed their own languages. Culture also has its impact on the clothes that people wear, and this has historically been determined by geography, too. People in the Arctic whose culture relies on hunting whales and seals wear several layers of warm clothes, usually manufactured from animal skin. In contrast, tribes in the rainforests wear very little clothing and their economies are centered around plant life. In terms of government and religion, the ancient Greeks, for example, developed a political culture centered around city-states because their geography was mountainous and it was thus difficult for large kingdoms to arise. The Mesopotamian and Egyptian religions, on the other hand, differed in the fact that Mesopotamian gods were considered less kind than the Egyptian gods. This is believed to be the result of unpredictable floods in the Mesopotamian rivers and rather consistent and predictable floods in the Nile.

How does culture affect business?

When looking at modern cultures, we can see the many effects that cultures have, for example, on business. During a business meeting where people from different cultures are communicating with one another, cultural differences have to be taken into account. There is more than merely a language barrier that needs to be overcome. These differences can concern people’s sensitivity to time, the way of communicating, risk-taking, decision-making, and thinking of others, all of which need to be addressed. Cultural differences can often impact the success or failure of multicultural business negotiations. When segmenting target groups for a product or service, businesses have to spend time on examining the cultural expectations and values of different groups. Culture influences people’s tastes and preferences, and the same strategies will not work for all audiences. Americans, for example, have very different expectations from advertising and marketing than Asian consumers. Business owners must account for differences throughout the product’s life cycle, from its design to marketing and beyond.

Culture affects our every facet of life. Most societies these days have become multicultural as more and more people migrate across countries and continents. We live around, socialize and work with people from different cultural backgrounds and different parts of the world. While their values and beliefs might be different from ours, we should accept these differences and broaden our own views in order to attain harmony in these culturally diverse environments. We should acknowledge the importance of culture in communication and in contributing to our identity and sense of belonging as part of a social group. Culture can be seen as a uniting force that is part of our daily lives and an integral part of our being, defining the way we treat other people and ourselves.

Caplan, L. (2018): “What Factors Influence Culture? What are the Characteristics of Culture?” eNotes. https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-factors-influence-culture-98429
Community Tool Box (2018): “Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities.” The University of Kansas. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/culture-and-diversity/main
eNotes (2015): “How Does Geography Affect Culture?” https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-does-geography-affect-culture-474205
Nowaczyk, J., (2018): “The Five Basic Characteristics of Cultures.” Study.com https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-five-basic-characteristics-of-cultures.html
OpinionFront (2018): “Why is Culture Important and How Does it Influence People?” https://opinionfront.com/why-is-culture-important
Oxford Dictionaries (2019): “Definition of Culture.” Oxford University Press. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/culture
Zimmermann, K. A. (2012): “What is Culture.” Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html

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3.1B: Culture and Society

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Culture is what differentiates one group or society from the next; different societies have different cultures.

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between the various meanings of culture within society
Different societies have different cultures; a culture represents the beliefs and practices of a group, while society represents the people who share those beliefs and practices.
Material culture refers to the objects or belongings of a group of people, such as automobiles, stores, and the physical structures where people worship. Nonmaterial culture, in contrast, consists of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society.
In 18th and 19th century Europe, the term “culture” was equated with civilization and considered a unique aspect of Western society. Remnants of that colonial definition of culture can be seen today in the idea of ” high culture “.
During the Romantic Era, culture became equated with nationalism and gave rise to the idea of multiple national cultures.
Today, social scientists understand culture as a society’s norms, values, and beliefs; as well as its objects and symbols, and the meaning given to those objects and symbols.
civilization : An organized culture encompassing many communities, often on the scale of a nation or a people; a stage or system of social, political or technical development.
high culture : The artistic entertainment and material artifacts associated with a society’s aristocracy or most learned members, usually requiring significant education to be appreciated or highly skilled labor to be produced.
popular culture : The prevailing vernacular culture in any given society, including art, cooking, clothing, entertainment, films, mass media, music, sports, and style
nationalism : The idea of supporting one’s country and culture; patriotism.

Culture encompasses human elements beyond biology: for example, our norms and values, the stories we tell, learned or acquired behaviors, religious beliefs, art and fashion, and so on. Culture is what differentiates one group or society from the next.

Different societies have different cultures; however it is important not to confuse the idea of culture with society. A culture represents the beliefs and practices of a group, while society represents the people who share those beliefs and practices. Neither society nor culture could exist without the other.

Defining Culture

Almost every human behavior, from shopping to marriage to expressions of feelings, is learned. Behavior based on learned customs is not necessarily a bad thing – being familiar with unwritten rules helps people feel secure and confident that their behaviors will not be challenged or disrupted. However even the simplest actions – such as commuting to work, ordering food from a restaurant, and greeting someone on the street – evidence a great deal of cultural propriety.

Material culture refers to the objects or belongings of a group of people (such as automobiles, stores, and the physical structures where people worship). Nonmaterial culture, in contrast, consists of the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society. Material and nonmaterial aspects of culture are linked, and physical objects often symbolize cultural ideas. A metro pass is a material object, but it represents a form of nonmaterial culture (namely capitalism, and the acceptance of paying for transportation). Clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry are part of material culture, but the appropriateness of wearing certain clothing for specific events reflects nonmaterial culture. A school building belongs to material culture, but the teaching methods and educational standards are part of education’s nonmaterial culture.

These material and nonmaterial aspects of culture can vary subtly from region to region. As people travel farther afield, moving from different regions to entirely different parts of the world, certain material and nonmaterial aspects of culture become dramatically unfamiliar. As we interact with cultures other than our own, we become more aware of our own culture – which might otherwise be invisible to us – and to the differences and commonalities between our culture and others.

The History of “Culture”

Some people think of culture in the singular, in the way that it was thought of in Europe during the 18th and early 19th centuries: as something achieved through evolution and progress. This concept of culture reflected inequalities within European societies and their colonies around the world; in short, it equates culture with civilization and contrasts both with nature or non-civilization. According to this understanding of culture, some countries are more “civilized” than others, and some people are therefore more “cultured” than others.

When people talk about culture in the sense of civilization or refinement, they are really talking about “high culture,” which is different from the sociological concept of culture. High culture refers to elite goods and activities, such as haute cuisine, high fashion or couture, museum-caliber art, and classical music. In common parlance, people may refer to others as being “cultured” if they know about and take part in these activities. Someone who uses culture in this sense might argue that classical music is more refined than music by working-class people, such as jazz or the indigenous music traditions of aboriginal peoples. Popular (or “pop”) culture, by contrast, is more mainstream and influenced by mass media and the common opinion. Popular culture tends to change as tastes and opinions change over time, whereas high culture generally stays the same throughout the years. For example, Mozart is considered high culture, whereas Britney Spears is considered pop culture; Mozart is likely to still be popular in 100 years, but Britney Spears will likely be forgotten by all but a few.

This definition of culture only recognizes a single standard of refinement to which all groups are held accountable. Thus, people who differ from those who believe themselves to be “cultured” in this sense are not usually understood as having a different culture; they are understood as being uncultured.

Although we still see remnants of this idea of high culture today, it has largely fallen out of practice. Its decline began during the Romantic Era, when scholars in Germany – especially those concerned with nationalism – developed the more inclusive notion of culture as a distinct worldview. Although more inclusive, this approach to culture still allowed for distinctions between so-called “civilized” and “primitive” cultures. By the late 19th century, anthropologists changed the concept of culture to include a wider variety of societies, ultimately resulting in the concept of culture adopted by social scientists today: objects and symbols, the meaning given to those objects and symbols, and the norms, values, and beliefs that pervade social life.

This new perspective has also removed the evaluative element of the concept of culture; it distinguishes among different cultures, but does not rank them. For instance, the high culture of elites is now contrasted with popular or pop culture. In this sense, high culture no longer refers to the idea of being “cultured,” as all people have culture. High culture simply refers to the objects, symbols, norms, values, and beliefs of a particular group of people; popular culture does the same.

Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Introduction.

Culture and tradition are vital aspects of our lives. They define our identity, guide our behavior, and connect us to our history.

The Role of Culture

Significance of traditions.

Traditions are practices passed down generations. They foster unity and continuity, strengthening our bond with our ancestors.

In essence, culture and tradition are the backbone of our society. They provide a sense of belonging and help preserve our heritage.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

Understanding culture and tradition.

Culture is the lens through which we perceive and evaluate what is around us. It influences our perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors, serving as a roadmap for both individual and community behaviors. It fosters a sense of belonging and security, reinforcing societal norms and expectations.

Significance of Tradition

Traditions, on the other hand, are specific practices or customs that are perpetuated across generations. They provide a sense of continuity and connection to our past. Traditions can foster unity, create positive memories, and build strong relationships within communities.

Culture, Tradition, and Identity

Both culture and tradition are integral to identity formation. They define our roots and give us a sense of belonging. They shape our worldview and influence our values, thus impacting our decisions and actions.

Preserving Culture and Tradition

In an increasingly globalized world, there’s a risk of cultural erosion. It is essential to preserve culture and tradition, not as unchangeable relics of the past, but as dynamic entities that evolve while retaining their core essence. This preservation promotes diversity and enriches global understanding.

In conclusion, culture and tradition are not just about the past. They are living, dynamic aspects of social life that play a critical role in shaping our present and future. Their importance lies in their capacity to promote social cohesion, personal identity, and mutual understanding.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Culture and Tradition

The essence of identity and belonging.

Culture and tradition are the bedrock of our identity. They offer a unique lens through which we view and interpret the world. Our cultural heritage, expressed through language, art, rituals, and social norms, shapes our worldview and forms our unique identity. This identity, in turn, fosters a sense of belonging, a vital aspect of our psychological well-being.

Preservation of Historical Continuity

Traditions serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future, ensuring historical continuity. They preserve and pass on the wisdom, knowledge, and experiences of previous generations. This continuity provides a sense of stability and predictability, which is essential in a rapidly changing world.

Contribution to Social Cohesion

Culture and tradition play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion. Shared cultural practices and beliefs create a sense of unity and mutual understanding among individuals. They provide a common ground for communication, reducing conflicts, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Role in Moral and Ethical Development

Challenges and evolution.

Despite their importance, culture and tradition are not static; they evolve over time. Societies must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the need for adaptation and progress. Unquestioned adherence to outdated traditions can hinder societal growth and development. Conversely, the complete abandonment of cultural practices can lead to a loss of identity and historical continuity.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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How to Write an Essay about Your Culture

Do you need to write an essay about your culture but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! I’m Constance, and I’ll show you how to write an essay about your culture. I’ll guide you step by step, and we’ll write a sample essay together. Let’s dive in.

Writing an essay about your culture includes 5 steps:

Step 1. Plan how many words you want in each paragraph.

When you know the exact number of words you need for an essay, planning the word count for each paragraph will be much easier.

For example, a 300-word essay typically consists of five paragraphs and three key elements:

The introductory paragraph.
Three body paragraphs.
The conclusion, or the concluding paragraph.

Here’s a simple way to distribute 300 words across the five paragraphs in your essay:

You’ll get 300 when you add up these numbers.

Step 2. Decide on what your main and supporting points will be.

First, you must take a stand, meaning you must decide on your main point. What do you really want to say about your culture? Whatever you want to say, that becomes your thesis.

For example, “My culture is very rich.” That is enough to get started. You’ll get a better idea of how to expand or tweak your thesis after the next step.

Next, divide your topic using the Power of Three to prove the point that your culture is rich using three supporting ideas.

The Power of Three effectively divides an essay’s main idea into its supporting points. It means your main idea is true because of the three reasons you will provide in the body. So, it is a three-part structure that helps produce your body paragraphs .

Let’s try it for an essay about Filipino culture!

For example, here are three supporting ideas explaining the richness of Filipino culture:

The Philippines has incredible food .
Traditional Filipino clothing reflects the country’s heritage.
Family values in the Philippines are essential.

Great! Now we have everything we need to write an essay about Filipino culture. We’re all set for the next step!

Step 3. Write your introductory paragraph.

Here are the key components of an introductory paragraph you need to remember in writing your essay:

Our first sentence is the introduction, which should pull our reader into the world we want to portray in our essay.

And the rest of the introductory paragraph is our thesis statement. It includes our main idea and three supporting points.

Example of an introductory paragraph about culture

“Having been colonized for centuries, the Philippines boasts a vast heritage. It has a rich culture characterized by food, clothing, and family values. Filipino culture has delicious food inherited from diverse parts of the world and periods of conquest. Traditional Filipino clothing reflects the country’s history, as well. And Filipinos prize their family values probably above all else.”

Look at how the introductory paragraph goes from a general statement to specific ideas that support our main idea.

Our introductory sentence is a general statement that serves as the opening in our essay. It briefly sets the essay’s context. Next comes the thesis statement — our main idea. Finally, we have three supporting ideas for our thesis.

Step 4. Write your essay’s body paragraphs.

Again, a 300-word essay typically has three body paragraphs containing your three supporting ideas. Here’s how to structure a body paragraph:

Looking back at our word count plan, we know that our body paragraphs should have roughly 70 words each. Remember your word plan as you write.

Body Paragraph 1

“The Philippines boasts a diverse food culture. It reflects indigenous flavors and foreign influences, such as American, Spanish, Indian, and Chinese. Whether it’s a typical or special day, Filipinos love eating these various dishes with rice, a staple. For example, rice goes well with curry, noodles, and adobo. It is also common to see various foods like pizza, pancit, lumpia, paella, (Filipino-style) sweet spaghetti, cakes, and ice cream at parties.”

As you can see, the first sentence in this body paragraph is a topic sentence . It gives context to the paragraph and briefly summarizes it.

The second sentence explains why the Philippine food culture is considered diverse.

The remaining sentences illustrate your main point (topic sentence) by providing examples, starting with rice in sentence 3.

Body Paragraph 2

“Traditional Filipino clothing reflects Philippine cultural heritage. Although Filipinos now conform to current fashion trends in their everyday lives, the traditional clothing style is often used during celebrations. The traditional fashion sense exhibits influences from indigenous tribes, Chinese immigration waves, the Spaniards, and Americans, portraying the chronology of Philippine historical events. For example, the Philippines’ national costume, the baro’t saya, is an elegant blend of Spanish and Filipino clothing styles. Even some modernized forms of clothing also display other global influences.”

Just like Body Paragraph 1, this paragraph follows the same structure outlined in the diagram. It proceeds from a general statement to more specific points :

The topic sentence.
An explanation.

Body Paragraph 3

“Family values are vital in the Philippines. The daily lives of most Filipinos revolve around close and extended family, making them known for their family-oriented lifestyle even when they’re overseas. It’s common for children to live with their parents after reaching legal age; some even stay after getting married or obtaining a job. Filipinos also cherish their extended families (aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins) and hanging out or celebrating significant events together.”

Once again, this paragraph follows the body paragraph structure. Now, we’re all set for the final step — the conclusion.

Step 5. Write the conclusion.

The easiest way to write a concluding paragraph for your essay on your culture is to restate your main idea and its supporting points using different words. You can even paraphrase your introduction — a time-proven method!

Let’s write the conclusion for our essay.

“Because of its history, the Philippines has a rich, diverse culture rooted in a vast heritage. Filipino cuisine is a blend of indigenous and foreign flavors. The nation’s history is reflected in its traditional clothing. And family values display a distinct Filipino trait.”

Note that this conclusion uses different words to restate the points we’ve already made, including those in the body paragraphs.

Hope this was helpful. Now go ahead and write an essay about your culture!

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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Free Religion, Culture & Society Essay Examples & Topics

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, religion is an organized system of beliefs and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods. In comparison, culture is defined as the values, customs, arts of a particular society and group, place, or time.

As you can suspect, writing a religion and culture essay is truly exciting but not always easy. That’s why our IvyPanda team is here to help you explore this subject. Let’s start with the connection between the phenomena.

Culture and religion are interconnected, and some say that they are inseparable. This link is complicated, but our mind aims to simplify everything. For instance, can you be a Muslim yet belong to Western Culture? Can you be white and not be a Christian colonizer? Can you be an African and not be associated with African religions?

To accept that you can belong to the same culture but be different religiously is a problematic endeavor. One thing is clear: you cannot study one without studying another.

If you are working on a religion and culture essay, you have many approaches to explore. That is why it can be tricky to write about it. Whether you’re composing a paper on Buddhism or an Islamophobia essay, outlines are a great way to realize what you want to do. Here, we have written a step-by-step guide on organizing your essay. We have also gathered topics and samples for your inspiration.

How to Outline a Religious and Cultural Values Essay

How are religion and culture connected? Essays like this aren’t easy to plan, let alone write. Nevertheless, organizing beforehand lowers your workload. You can save a lot of time by writing your works with an outline.

Here, we have presented steps towards structuring your paper:

Create the right research question. A great question asks “how” and “why” instead of “what.” It leads your research and the way you organize your paper. Your question can also be based on a puzzle or some form of contradiction.
Make a strong thesis statement. It is the core of your paper that sets your position – even your outline has to showcase it. Two levels of thesis exist. The first one is thesis-as-a-thoughtful-answer. The second level is thesis as exciting and original. Try to keep both of them in mind while creating your own. Our thesis generator can help you find the right words.
Begin your introduction. It should reveal the topic and how you intend to argue your position. First, hook your reader from the start and provide essential context. Then, give your reader an idea of where you are going with your essay by including your thesis.
Structure your body paragraphs. Here, you will state your points and why you find them compelling. Generally, it takes three paragraphs to do so. Include at least two arguments and one counterargument to add reliability to your statement. Make sure to list all the crucial points in your outline. You can add supporting evidence later.
State your conclusion. Here, you briefly summarize the arguments you’ve already provided. Additionally, you can include important implications and further research areas. In your outline, leave a place for a restatement of your thesis and a concluding sentence.

15 Stellar Religion and Culture Essay Topics

You can say a lot regarding religion and culture, and just an area of Christian festivals is abundant with topics. Yet, it is not easy to find a good idea for your essay, which is why we have tried to simplify your task.

Here are some religious and cultural values essay topics:

Explain the creation/evolution controversy and why both can be seen as a form of religion.
A critique of trinity doctrine in Christianity.
Positive effects of religion in coping with mental health problems.
The connection between mental health and prayers.
The role of religion in American society and culture.
Should American kids be taught Christian moral values in school?
What is the history behind Christmas? Why do Christians celebrate it on December 25th?
What are the Islamophobia causes and solutions?
What are some similarities and differences between Buddhism and Christianity?
What are the origins behind singing during Christian gatherings?
Compare the creation myths in the Bible and the Quran.
The roles and responsibilities of women in Hinduism.
Describe the five pillars of Islamic religion and their significance.
Why is Paul Tillich called the father of systematic theology?
What are the major religions around the world?

Thank you for reading our article till the end. For more ideas, you can try out our topic generator . Or you can simply look through our religion and culture essay examples below.

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Culture and Society

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Human geographers have been at the forefront of research that examines the relationships between space, culture and society. This volume contains twenty-one essays, published over the past thirty years, that are iconic instances of this investigative field. With a focus on four broad themes - landscape, identity, colonialism, nature - these essays represent some of the best and most innovative interventions that geographers have made on these topics. From the visual to the corporeal, from rural Ceylon to urban America and from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first, this volume brings together a set of theoretically sophisticated and empirically grounded works.

Part i | 15 pages, spaces of interpretation, chapter 1 | 13 pages, landscape and the obliteration of practice, part ii | 123 pages, landscapes and cultures, chapter 2 | 29 pages, the myth and the stones of venice: an historical geography of a symbolic landscape, chapter 3 | 15 pages, geography as an art, chapter 4 | 21 pages, reclaiming vision: looking at landscape and the body, chapter 5 | 21 pages, the place of landscape: a conceptual framework for interpreting an american scene, chapter 6 | 31 pages, japanese gardens in edwardian britain: landscape and transculturation, part iii | 109 pages, making and marking identities, chapter 7 | 15 pages, urban graffiti as territorial markers*, chapter 8 | 20 pages, monument and myth*, chapter 9 | 17 pages, back to the land: historiography, rurality and the nation in interwar wales, chapter 10 | 31 pages, once-upon-a-time in the commodity world: an unofficial guide to mall of america, chapter 11 | 21 pages, gendered politics and nationalised homes: women and the anti-colonial struggle in delhi, 1930–47, part iv | 134 pages, space, imperialism and postcolonialism, chapter 12 | 29 pages, between the book and the lamp: imaginative geographies of egypt, 1849–50, chapter 13 | 17 pages, kooramindanjie: place and the postcolonial, chapter 14 | 16 pages, paradise or pandemonium west african landscapes in the travel accounts of victorian women, chapter 15 | 22 pages, embodying colonialism domination and resistence in nineteenth-century ceylonese coffee plantations, chapter 16 | 46 pages, colonialism’s afterlife: vision and visuality on the northwest coast, part v | 106 pages, cultures of nature and science, chapter 17 | 29 pages, science, observation and entertainment: competing visions of postwar british natural history television, 1946–1967, chapter 18 | 13 pages, “illusory riches”: representations of the tropical world, 1840–1950, chapter 19 | 22 pages, race, space and moral climatology: notes toward a genealogy, chapter 20 | 28 pages, cultures of knowledge: investigating intellectual property rights and relations in the pacific, chapter 21 | 10 pages, materialist returns: practising cultural geography in and for a more-than-human world.

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The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Cultures and Societies

1. introduction.

Colonialism has had a profound and long-lasting impact on indigenous peoples across the world. This impact has a psychological as well as sociological, political, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. There is no simple model of the impact of colonialism on indigenous people. The dynamic dimension of culture is particularly true for indigenous peoples, who have a profound interrelatedness between their social and customary organization, protection of their environment, and economic activities. The construction of an accurate argument and understanding these linked areas of life makes it difficult to create a single integrating structure to summarize and describe indigenous life. It can also make it difficult to separate traditional and contemporary elements of life in cases where that is analytically necessary.

1.1. Definition of Colonialism

In the simplest way of instrumentalizing the definition of colonialism, the term colonialism must encompass the total social, political, economic, and psychological impact of an alien culture onto a people who have been itself controlled politically, economically, and socially by an external society. The notion of instrumentalizing colonialism would likewise represent the ideas from both the colonizer and the colonized point of view. For the colonizers, the object would involve unrestricted access to the resources of the colonized people in order to utilize that society to improve the economic, social, and political status of the individuals within the colonizing society. For the colonized, the objective would be the attainment of "independence" in the sense that the ideals of the colonized society could be realized in whatever political configuration that happens to be desired by the society. The "independence" of the society would be not only a political "ceremonial" but also an "economic" and "cultural" autonomy as well.

1.2. Overview of Indigenous Cultures and Societies

Indigenous cultures in Canada are diverse and complex. They are Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples. While they are all distinct peoples, they all share some characteristics. They have older cultures and societies than the country itself. Indigenous societies are based on principles of cooperation, sharing, equity, and the recognition of the reciprocal relations between human beings, spiritual beings, and the earth. Indigenous societies carry very different worldviews and spiritual beliefs than the European worldviews that came with colonialism. Indigenous languages are also an important part of Indigenous culture and identity. Learning Indigenous languages keeps the social connection to families and their knowledge of the environment, culture, and spirituality. In Indigenous culture, stories are considered to be a place where spirit and physical worlds come together. In addition, stories are a very important aspect of oral tradition and record and hand down the cultural knowledge and history of the people. Finally, Indigenous societies have their own governance and justice structure. These systems of laws, political organization, language, culture, spirituality, and political organization were created on the traditional territories based on the people's understanding of their natural environment and the people's interaction with the environment. These systems provide the roles and rules for the society to live together as a collective unit in their communities and territory.

2. Historical Context

In a Native Perspective, Jack Weatherford writes, "Long before the French or Dutch came to the New World, before John Smith and the English capitalist came to Jamestown, before slavery came to the Congo, long before any European or African had even thought of America, people had been living in this hemisphere for a very long time" (Weatherford 46). The date of the first arrival of Europeans to the lands of what is now referred to as America is very debatable. Notably, the Northmen, Viking sailors, landed in Newfoundland around 1000 AD and claims by Siberians, Japanese, and Chinese are also controversial. Despite these previous claims to the land, the first known European voyage to the New World was led by Christopher Columbus in 1492. In the centuries preceding the Colombian landing, tens of millions of humans populated the various landscapes and ecosystems of the "New World." The millions of people that inhabited the Americas were greatly diverse. They co-existed and constantly interacted with the various plants and animals of their region. Although most of the indigenous people of the Americas held unique and varying cultures, many aspects of their ways of life were essentially the same, having evolved along the same environmental and ecological patterns. Weatherford commented, "Even to speak of 'Indians' is misleading, for they constituted at least as many distinct peoples—and probably more—as the countries of Europe" (45). Nevertheless, there were certain facets of Indian culture and societal structure common to many of the diverse people.

2.1. Colonial Expansion and Motivations

Colonial expansion is a process by which imperial powers extend their economic, political, and military capacity over a wide area beyond their own borders or colonize other areas. Colonial processes have been implemented in different cultures and regions, such as Greek, Roman, Indian, and ancient Persian culture. Most parts of the world experienced a colonial status of one type or another, with Europeans being the colonizers. The motives of most colonizers were industrial development and accumulation, with a need for external markets and newly domestic raw materials. This industrial base was grounded in certain revolutionary transformations, such as the invention and introduction of machines that substituted muscles in the production process, the use of new sources of energy, and the application of science and technology to the improvement of industrial production. With colonial status enabling access to a wide range of raw materials at lower prices and the creation of new external markets, these processes provided convenient support for continuous development and progress.

2.2. Encounter and Contact with Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous peoples were among the first to encounter European explorers and explorers from other world regions. The encounter between Europeans and the peoples of the Americas, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and Asia was not the first between people speaking different languages and having different worldviews. However, the social, economic, and environmental effects of these earlier encounters had not affected other world areas to anything like the extent of the encounter between Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Americas and Oceania. For indigenous peoples, therefore, the pervasive impact of European colonialism upon diverse and complex societies was like nothing that they had encountered before. The aftermath of this encounter is ongoing: the post-colonial period has not ended for indigenous peoples. They continue to experience negative consequences of the disruption, imposed economic change, and profound social and cultural effects generated by the encounter with colonialism. The encounter occurred in a sociopolitical context that was complex in indigenous nations. For indigenous peoples, they were not simply isolated, small-scale communities living in an unchanging, Neolithic, savagery phase of existence as commonly portrayed in the typical European view of the savage Indian. On the contrary, each was part of a plural and multifaceted sociopolitical system, some with populations numbering into the tens of thousands of people, occupying a wide range of ecosystems. These societies had established interstate relationships of trade, power, and ideology over thousands of previous years. High population levels were maintained by developing agricultural systems that made efficient use of local resources. The encounter also had social and environmental consequences that can best be explained in the context of the worldview and social systems of the contact period and the times that had gone before. The immediate and ongoing environmental consequences of European contact and the reduction in power and social organization that ensued were directly related to the societies' long-term concern for responsible management of local environments and valued wildlife species as part of their cosmology.

3. Social and Cultural Impact

Understandings about whether and when social and cultural change first began to occur in New Zealand, and how and why such changes occurred, have been the subject of lively historical and academic debate. Those who sought to portray Māori culture as static and traditional argued that change came with the first contact with Europeans, and that this change was so dramatic and radical as to fundamentally alter the nature of Māori society. Those who held that Māori society was flexible and adept at adapting to new circumstances argued that Māori society began to change much earlier, as a consequence of increasing regional and international trade with iwi, and with visits to Europe and Tahiti by Māori. The reality was undoubtedly complex, but evidence increasingly suggests that pre-existing factors regarding social and cultural practices dictated the responses of iwi to new ideas and opportunities. Not all change was seen as positive, nor was it widely implemented. However, some innovations gained almost immediate acceptance, particularly if there were recognised examples. There are many examples in early business, farming, industry, and trade where Māori led the way. The arguments about the factors driving pre- and post-contact change were not just academic, but were also a matter of real concern for tribes who were frequently involved in arguments over resources, or who were seeking practical advantages from tīpuna to support their leadership aspirations and business arguments, or both.

3.1. Loss of Land and Resources

Land, if not the most important, has been one of the most important cornerstones for the existence of indigenous cultures. The occupation of land has many implications for the way an indigenous people organize their societies, transmit their traditions, pass on their knowledge, develop their spirituality, and establish their concept of themselves as individuals and peoples. Because land is the mother of all things, when the land is lost, the sense of community, family networks, opportunity structure, and indigenous religions are severely disrupted. As a result of land expropriation, indigenous peoples are also at risk of losing their culture, their language, and their identity, and are therefore at risk of virtual annihilation as a distinct people. Channelling indigenous peoples into reserve lands and making these lands available to them officially weakened the international rights of indigenous peoples. This pattern has fractured indigenous societies in many countries and has fostered social disruption and marginalization of entire indigenous nations. The limitation on access to indigenous lands has the consequence, as it was during colonial time, of creating increasingly fierce competition for control of diminishing resources, for example, the vast logging and mineral exploitation activities on indigenous Mother Earth undertaken in the name of national development.

3.2. Forced Assimilation and Cultural Genocide

Forcible assimilation of indigenous peoples into the colonial power's ways of living was the norm nearly everywhere in colonial North America. The immediate colonial concern with assimilation was that the disappearance of one group and its absorption into another would make governing them easier. If contact did not signal doom so much as infusion or immigration, colonial officials sought to define a new and fleeting 'race' or mixed-blood people, often with a derogatory name, the better to set them apart and govern them. In response, these biological blends invented common origins, traditions, and aspirations to form new identities and societies. But the real burden of colonial power, derived from urgent economic or military necessities, was to bend, if not to shatter, indigenous cultures and societies to their own objectives of empire, a task that demanded not assimilation but force. One tool of governance - or a weapon of co-option - was to make indigenous men play the warrior role that they understood and respected. The response of indigenous people to this selective use of force was to turn the same tools and reasoning against the colonizers, creating hybrid identities and new understandings of the world that they first shared with their enemies.

4. Economic Consequences

Economic changes were a result of colonial rule as colonial governments uprooted and restructured the existing economic system and substituted them with mechanisms suited to the colonial power's needs. Labour was mobilized to satisfy the colonizers' needs: to build the road and railway infrastructures necessary for the exportation of raw materials to the colonizers' countries. Colonial powers sought to control labor as well as the economy as a whole, in order to stabilize the society and to prevent the possible outbreak of resistance. Circulation of money and use of the market had catastrophic consequences for indigenous societies. Colonials introduced taxes and duties, a source of enormous tension and resistance and of wide social changes. Often, the indigenous people did not have enough money, as the only economic opportunity offered was on colonial companies' plantations or mineral extraction plants, usually on poor salaries and terrible working conditions. This forced them to borrow money from local loan sharks, which usually were foreigners who shaved off a large portion of the money they owed from the natives, increasing the natives' debt. Debt was inherited, and whenever a person died, it was passed to one of their relatives. The power of money reached its peak during the natural catastrophes, as food imports were purchased with the natives' money. This further frustrated the population, as colonists were buying food necessary for survival from merchants belonging to the same nationality, paying extremely low prices for the food and taking it out of the country. Finally, imports caused a structural imbalance in the indigenous economy, as most trade was in favour of the colonial power. Circulation of money and use of the market led to monetarization, complicated barter transactions and the determination of a society's level of wealth; integration of indigenous economies into world trade; exploitation and destruction of forests and natural resources. Monetary analysis of the impact of colonization is complicated by market failures and the abnormal costs of the export sector. Economic restructuring led to an extremely uneven distribution of income, with the large majority of the profits from the colonies being produced for export, and with a narrow range of jobs produced. Money was used to pay the debts and the salaries of the civil servants, including the wages of the mercenaries. The few job opportunities had an enormous impact on genders, as women were put to work on silk and cotton plantations, exploiting toxic substances that were lethal. The introduction of colonial economic systems had an important impact on gender relations, and the arrival of the colonizers led to imbalance and tension within relationships.

4.1. Exploitation of Indigenous Labor

The economic care and welfare of present and future generations was a fundamental concern, characteristic not only of Pueblo and Iroquois, but also of the other indigenous societies of North America before the arrival of Europeans. Similarly, in other parts of the world, the economic and agrarian organization of the indigenous peoples was a reflection of some of the profound truths of a fundamental reality about human survival, that labor and the care of the Earth are key to survival, but that life itself can be enhanced and enriched, individually and collectively, through work. The history of the destruction of indigenous labor by the Europeans is a sordid but largely untold story. Stannard recounts that the Spanish in Mexico forced mass Indian participation in Spain's mines and the agricultural estates of the Spanish nobles. Annually, the quota was 258 days of work per adult male. But government service and the allegedly more 'voluntary' debt-peonage system which the Spanish introduced were far more cruel, heinous and effective than the old Inca labor tax. The debt peonage system undermined indigenous social organization, required women and children as workers, imposed the highest toll and death rates especially upon Indian males, but permitted the producers and landlords of Spain's colonial empire to become very rich. Between 1540 and 1820, the silver mines of the Spanish colonies produced a total of 154,000 tons of silver and another 16,000 tons between 1803 and 1900.

4.2. Introduction of Cash Crops and Dependency

One of the most significant results of the introduction of European commerce to traditional African institutions was the integration of regional economies into a larger international economic system. At the beginning of the contact with Europeans, many of the peoples of West Africa were engaged in the production and trade of a variety of food crops for regional, if not global, distribution. It is important to note here again, as the consequences of the loss of these cash crops is examined, that food crops or subsistence crops did not simply change from cash or long distance trade crops to subsistence crops. Instead, these food items were once exported to areas within and outside of West Africa in a variety of unprocessed and processed categories. The food items were exported in unprocessed form as well as oil providing seeds such as groundnuts, palm kernels, and benne seeds. The long-distance trade in food crops spawned a huge and diverse export trade including both peasant and commercial farmers in its myriad parts. The export was conducted by a variety of merchants, including the traditional parties to this trade as well as a significant portion by the merchants of the trans-Saharan Mediterranean trade and a small number of Atlantic-based European merchants. These merchants were involved as partners in various joint ventures with traditional African merchants and kings in various locations throughout the region.

5. Resistance and Resilience

Resistance and resilience are fundamental to understanding the history of colonialism. Indigenous peoples responded to colonization in a multitude of different ways, from violent resistance to a quieter determination to continue life as they had known it. Though the colonial project was often brutal and frequently devastating to indigenous communities, it did not wipe out their cultures and societies. On the contrary, the encounter with colonialism often led to the emergence of new forms of native expression and new political identities. These resistant and resilient indigenous cultures and societies had unforeseen implications, including the reformulation of Christianity in Spanish America and the creation of the United States after the American Revolution. They also continue to mold the Americas today. It is important to realize the limitations and contradictions inherent in the colonial project. The European powers and settlers who began the process of world conquest firmly believed that indigenous cultures could be destroyed and native lands were free for the taking. The evidence offers a much more ambiguous and decidedly less triumphant picture. The proof lies both within the colonial process and centuries after the supposedly civilizing effects of European rule. All across the Americas, indigenous peoples and cultures struggled with European forces. Understanding how and why groups so wildly underestimated could resist for as long as they did and emerge as powerful images in the history of the Americas is the first step toward expanding our grasp of what happened in the Americas during more than two centuries of colonial rule. At stake is not merely a determined vision of European triumph over the New World, but an understanding of what the shaded lives of the American past can tell us.

5.1. Indigenous Movements and Revitalization Efforts

Contemporary indigenous peoples have not only been able to reclaim much of their ancient heritage, they are now applying their cultural traditions to help them define their role in their nations and in the world at large. They have had to revitalize their traditions and use their cultural identity as a rallying force for present strength and unity. There are many significant impoverished and deteriorated old industrial cities in the world, but only in a few of those do vast numbers of people also suffer from malnutrition, family disintegration, and poor physical health and abusive social relations. There are multitudes of people in some world nations who do not seem to know or remember where they came from, their traditions, who their ancestors are, or what role their descendants play. Unlike this neglect of heritage in ancient cities, indigenous movements are striving to revitalize and respect their heritage while maintaining present-day economic diversity, both within the indigenous communities as well as the outside world. In sum, the indigenous struggle of today is to confront those outside the indigenous communities who are responsible for the physical destruction of this environment, those who exhibit a lack of comprehension or disrespect for indigenous cultural heritage, and to confront those inside the indigenous communities who accept or help these deviant invaders. The present-day indigenous struggle of today is to accept and help to maintain cultural diversity and social justice for present and future indigenous descendants who form part of the world ethnic community configuration. For these reasons, indigenous resistance and resurgence movements, multicultural education, and a multicultural society are very much a part of contemporary reality and necessity.

5.2. Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities

The processes of resettlement, the removal of Indians, and the establishment of missions and reserves over the past century or so have contributed to the erosion of the physical and mental health of indigenous peoples, the erosion of human and spiritual values, the erosion of leadership and political structures, and the erosion of indigenous language and culture. The advance of developers, the imposition of land claims settlements, and the impacts of climate change combined with resource development is affecting land tenure, food security, impacting traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, their ability to pass on their unique way of life and connection to their environment to future generations. However, these portraits of overall decline mediated by particular local successes and specifically local incidents do not begin to capture the overall diversity of indigenous experiences in Canadian society today. The extent to which living conditions in indigenous communities contrast with those in the rest of Canadian society is of concern not only to the indigenous peoples themselves but to all of Canada, which strives to be an inclusive and egalitarian society. Moreover, the rugged individualism of mainstream society continues to be tested by and enriched by the cache of indigenous cultural expression. The expression of identity is strong in the branding and competition involved in the display of culture. Artistic merit tends to be acknowledged with applause and valuation, market based and collective. However, many also argue that the cultural economy gets in the way of sincere sharing and spiritual regaining. In both cases, making a good living does not guarantee that a healthy community can be reconstituted.

6. Conclusion

The history of colonialism and its effect on indigenous cultures and societies is an area of study holding particular interest for many anthropologists. For some, colonization deepened pre-existent societal and cultural entrenchment within an indigenous group context, while for others colonization can be seen as the single most influential aspect of interaction. However, the general consensus remains for most anthropologists that colonization resulted in the loss of indigenous culture, language, land, and tradition, and monopolized the imposition of a European colonialist culture, frequently governed by political means. The presentation of indigenous cultures within a bounded spatial context may be a meaningful focus of research, yet it also begs the question of where to locate analyses which consider the impact of one indigenous group upon another. Too little attention seems to be directed at understanding precolonial indigenous interaction processes or the exchange of goods and ideas between such cultures. Rather, anthropological perspectives such as those discussed here, which consider the encounter of indigenous groups, are more often to be greeted within another discipline within the social sciences and humanities. This seems unfortunate, given the scope of anthropological explanations of cultural change and cultural loss and why and how these questions are encountered. These types of interdisciplinary inquiry serve to enhance favorable anthropological exploration far more than call for future analysis within the confines of increasingly specialized cultural understandings.

6.1. Summary of Key Points

The Atlantic World facilitated the exchange of many new crops and goods across its shores. For example, Europeans introduced sugar, cattle, and wheat to the Americas and maize, potatoes, and cotton to Africa. Furthermore, exchanges led to hybrid food practices and cuisines around the Atlantic rim. While the new exchanges had significant effects on all of the Atlantic societies, in terms of basic economic practices and food consumption, they did not fundamentally alter each region's relative development. In 1492, the peoples of the Americas lived in small, autonomous groups. They relied on swidden agriculture or fixed field systems for subsistence, hunting, and gathering, and traded sparingly. Atlantic cultures had created a wide range of colonial economies in the Americas, where the indigenous peoples participated. The consequences of contact, and the nature of colonial economies for the indigenous societies in these regions were complex and unpredictable. In Africa, the Atlantic drove the evolution of trading networks, interrupted slave, goods, raw material, and agricultural goods production. The slave suppliers tended to be militarized societies. Indeed, in many places, warfare took a particularly brutal form as enemies turned their aggression on their most vulnerable populations. The participants in these networks wielded a great deal of control over access to the European goods, and by 1800, these traders were agents at the heart of the oil/warrior state economies. The Atlantic enslaved more West Africans than it transported to the Americas. The dislocations caused by the slave trade and the emergence of warrior elites were the most significant changes brought to the Atlantic societies by the creation of Atlantic trading systems. At the same time, there is no simple direct line from slavery to the formation of modern African states. Finally, Africa's encounter with Europe had the least impact on the smallest group of Africans, the farmers. For the most part, they farmed in small, self-sufficient areas.

6.2. Implications for Future Research and Action

The introduction to this chapter made the case that the impact of colonial expansion and the ideologies and practices of settler colonialism need to be understood in the specific context of their violent and ongoing consequences for Indigenous cultures and societies, particularly the loss of land, which was not only a source of material sustenance for many Indigenous peoples but also enabled them to exercise their own traditional ways, practices, and beliefs, to which they had long been deeply attached. The chapter defends the use of colonialism as the most useful term for understanding these consequences, introduces the key characteristics and implications of colonial expansion, and puts forward the most recent and influential efforts to explain the existence of colonial regimes and their consequences (theories of economic motivation, cultural compatibility, state capabilities, identity, and early modern state making). It briefly discusses important schools of thought critiquing these explanations. It concludes by discussing contemporary theory and practice of statehood in recognition of the fact that some states are starting to acknowledge and address colonial practices, in some cases enacting restitutive policies benefiting Indigenous peoples. It examines the consequences for the loss of land in particular and Indigenous societies in general for freedom and legal protection of Indigenous (land) rights by the most recent global Indigenous diplomacy, including the landmark United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in 2007. It also briefly takes into account recent debates about development assistance policy.

The impact of workplace culture on employee work behavior and job satisfaction.

1. Introduction Understanding and interpreting human behavior within the framework of an organization is characterized by its offerings and limitations. This has long interested organization theorists who have suggested that researchers and practitioners should focus both on the impacts of organizations on individuals and on individual employee outcomes. The organizational context provides individuals with an existence and a raison d'etre. In turn, these individuals contribute to the productive ...

Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Culturally Diverse Classrooms in Education

1. Introduction Culturally diverse classrooms increase the importance of including culture in education. Culturally diverse situations inevitably raise ethnic issues and require discussion to facilitate cohesion in the classroom. This makes students more aware of the cultural and ethnic diversity that exists in society. A culturally sensitive educator can provide unique learning experiences to all students in their classroom. When students are capable of seeing their own culture and the culture ...

The Environmental and Social Impact of the Fast Fashion Industry

1. Introduction We exist in a throwaway society whereby people buy possessions only to dispose of them after a short period of time. The fast fashion industry understands the unrealistic consumer desire for the latest fashions at an affordable price and aims to provide a quick turnaround for the latest designs to feed this desire. But at what cost to the environment, and is the true cost of fast fashion reflected in the price? The goal of this project is to address the problem of fast fashion i ...

The Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Identities

1. Introduction This paper examines various scholarly works that discuss the impact of colonization on Indigenous identities. For centuries, colonizers have eradicated the Indigenous peoples' languages, cultures, and belief systems. Who are we, then, when we lose all that makes us unique and 'ours', when we can no longer speak with the voices of our grandmothers? Tz'utujojil, an Indigenous leader from the highlands of Guatemala, once articulated the phenomenon in the following manner: "They too ...

Exploring the Impact of Forbidden Love in Classic Tales

1. Introduction to Forbidden Love in Literature The forbidden love concept, as well as the mixture of tragedy and love, are the elements that fascinate enthusiasts of romantic stories. Classic literature has a very important collection on this issue, like "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare and "Lancelot and Guinevere" by Chrétien de Troyes. The many versions of these two love stories perpetuate the classics throughout the years. These tales of love explore forbidden relationships and the ...

The Concept of Forbidden Love in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Its Relevance to Contemporary Society

1. Introduction The drama Romeo and Juliet is one of the best-known love stories in the English literary tradition. Love's sweeping power, the centrifugal force and compulsion of the act of loving, the passions of the lover which overwhelmingly draw them to each other and to the conclusion of their love in the consummation of physical union, is the theme that Shakespeare has chosen to examine and explore. Shakespeare's lovers are depicted as having their entire world change for them and by them ...

The Impact of Cultural Diversity on People Practices and Business Operations Worldwide

1. Introduction Peter B. Smith, Robert J. House, Lan Li, Yan Zhang Roger L. M. Dunbar Rae André, Signature Consultants, Boston, MA, USA Culture is acknowledged to be very influential in organizational behavior yet has largely been ignored in the extant organization theory and management literature. When the concept of organizational culture is recognized, it is often given superficial attention. In their review of the culture literature, Berry and Graham succinctly summarize its state. Culture ...

Symbolism and Themes in Ernest Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants'

1. Introduction to the Short Story In "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway utilizes his trained ability to convey thematic aspects through what literary critics refer to as the "iceberg method of writing." Hemingway decided to begin the story with a relatively mundane discussion concerning their drinks instead of an opening passage awakening the protagonist to a reality. These simple few lines concerning the beginning of their drinks address an incredibly powerful underlying theme that color ...

Student Essays

11 Essays on Society – Importance, Impacts, Problems [ 2024 ]

Society is the place where human live together with peace, established rules, culture and cooperation. Society has definite laws and well set boundaries. The Following essay I have wrote that talks about the society, its basic concept, importance and what role can students play in society.

Essay on Society: Its Importance for our Life

The society is a place where we live into. We share our life experiences with other individuals. The society helps us to interact with different types of people and learn from them. It is a platform that enhances our personality and teaches us how to live in a community.

Concept of Society

A society is not just about a group of individuals living together but it is much more than that. A society shapes the character of its members and instills values in them. It defines what is right and what is wrong for its members. It also provides them with a sense of security and belonging.

Importance of Society

The importance of society can be understood from the fact that it plays a pivotal role in our life. Our survival and development depend on the society. The society provides us with shelter, food, clothing, and education. It also protects us from danger and keeps us safe from harm.

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The society is important for our life because:

1) it provides us with basic necessities of life: The society provides us with shelter, food, clothing, and education. All these things are necessary for our survival and development. 2) it protects us from danger and harm: The society protects us from danger and harm. It keeps us safe from criminals, natural disasters, and other threats. 3) it shapes our personality and character: The society shapes our personality and character. It defines what is right and what is wrong for us. It also instills values in us. 4) it gives us a sense of security and belonging: The society gives us a sense of security and belonging. It makes us feel safe and accepted. We feel connected to others and have a sense of purpose in life.

Role of Students in a Society:

There are many ways in which students can be productive members of society. Some of them are: 1) by participating in social service activities: Students can participate in social service activities and help the needy. They can volunteer for organizations that work for the betterment of society. 2) by spreading awareness about social issues: Students can spread awareness about social issues and raise awareness about the problems faced by society. They can use social media to spread awareness about important issues. 3) by becoming involved in politics: Students can become involved in politics and work for the betterment of society. They can run for office or volunteer for political campaigns.

The society is an important part of our life. It plays a crucial role in our survival, development, and personality. We should appreciate the importance of society and work towards its betterment.

Short Essay on Society in English:

Society plays a crucial role in shaping our lives. It is the framework within which we interact and build relationships with each other. From our families to our communities, society has a major influence on every aspect of our daily lives.

In today’s world, the concept of society has evolved drastically. With advancements in technology and globalization, we are no longer confined to physical boundaries. We are now part of a global society, connected to people from different backgrounds and cultures.

One of the fundamental aspects of any society is its values and beliefs. These shape our attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions towards others. They provide us with a moral compass to guide us in our interactions with fellow human beings. However, these values and beliefs can vary greatly across societies, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.

Furthermore, society also provides us with a sense of identity. We are inherently social beings and rely on our interactions with others to form our self-concept. Our role in society, whether it be as a student, professional, or family member, contributes to our sense of self.

In conclusion, society is the glue that holds us together as a community. It provides us with structure, values, and identity. As individuals, it is our responsibility to contribute positively to society and help create a better world for future generations. After all, we are not just members of society; we are society itself.

Importance of society Essay:

The society we live in plays a crucial role in shaping our lives. It is the foundation on which our values, beliefs and behaviors are built upon. Society not only affects us as individuals but also has a significant impact on the world around us. In this essay, we will explore the importance of society and how it impacts our lives.

Firstly, society provides us with a sense of belonging and identity. As social beings, we have an innate desire to be a part of a community and feel connected to others. Through our interactions with family, friends, and other members of society, we develop a sense of who we are and where we fit in.

Moreover, society also provides us with the necessary support and resources to thrive. In times of need, we can turn to our community for help and support. Whether it is financial assistance, emotional support or advice, society offers a safety net that helps us navigate through life’s challenges.

In addition, society plays a crucial role in shaping our values and beliefs. Our cultural norms, traditions, and customs are all influenced by the society we live in. Through socialization, we learn what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and this helps us function harmoniously as a community.

Furthermore, society also promotes personal growth and development. By providing opportunities for education, employment, and personal advancement, it enables individuals to reach their full potential. A healthy and supportive society encourages its members to pursue their passions and aspirations.

In conclusion, the importance of society cannot be overstated. It is the fabric that holds us together and shapes our lives in more ways than we can imagine. As members of society, it is our responsibility to contribute positively towards its growth and well-being, for the betterment of ourselves and future generations.

Essay on Impact of Social Media on Society:

Social media has become an integral part of our lives in this modern day and age. It allows us to connect with people from different parts of the world, share our thoughts and experiences, and keep up with current events. However, its impact on society is a topic that has been widely debated.

On one hand, social media has played a major role in revolutionizing communication and breaking down geographical barriers. It has allowed us to stay connected with loved ones, even if they are miles away. Social media also serves as a platform for spreading awareness and promoting social causes. It has given a voice to marginalized communities and helped bring about much-needed change.

But on the other hand, social media comes with its own set of challenges. The constant need for validation and the pressure to present a perfect life online has led to a rise in mental health issues, especially among the youth. It has also made it easier for fake news and misinformation to spread like wildfire, creating chaos and division in society.

Moreover, social media has changed the way we perceive ourselves and others. We are constantly bombarded with images of idealized lives that have been carefully curated for the online world. This has led to an unhealthy comparison culture and a rise in feelings of inadequacy.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on society is complex and multi-faceted. While it has brought about positive changes in terms of communication and social activism, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It is up to us as individuals to use social media in a responsible and balanced manner, keeping in mind its potential impact on our mental health and society as a whole. So, we must strike a balance between being connected and staying grounded in the real world. Let’s make sure that social media remains a tool for positive change rather than a source of negativity.

Essay on Impact of Modern Technology on Society:

Modern technology has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. With every passing day, we are becoming more dependent on the latest gadgets and devices to make our lives easier. From smartphones to smart homes, modern technology has revolutionized the way we live, work and communicate.

The impact of modern technology on society has been both positive and negative. On one hand, it has accelerated the pace of progress and brought about significant advancements in various fields such as healthcare, education, and transportation. On the other hand, it has also contributed to societal issues like addiction, privacy invasion, and job loss.

The rise of social media platforms has connected us with people from all around the world but at the same time, it has led to a decrease in face-to-face communication and affected our social skills. The convenience of online shopping has made us more prone to impulsive purchases, causing financial strain on individuals and families.

The healthcare industry has benefited greatly from modern technology with the invention of life-saving medical equipment and advancements in treatment methods. However, it has also raised concerns about artificial intelligence replacing human jobs in the sector.

In conclusion, the impact of modern technology on society is a double-edged sword. It has brought about tremendous progress and convenience, but it has also posed challenges that need to be addressed

Essay on society and culture:

Society and culture are two intertwined concepts that shape our daily lives. Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common set of values, beliefs, and practices while culture encompasses the customs, traditions, and behaviors of a particular society.

The relationship between society and culture is dynamic and constantly evolving. As humans, we are social beings who are influenced by our surroundings. Our social environment which includes our family, friends, institutions, and media plays a critical role in shaping our perspectives and beliefs. These influences are reflected in our culture, from the food we eat to the way we dress and celebrate important occasions.

Culture is not limited to material objects or practices but also encompasses intangible aspects such as language, art, religion, and social norms. These aspects are what makes each society unique and different from others. Culture also helps us connect with our past, understand our present and shape our future.

While society and culture play a significant role in shaping an individual’s identity, they can also create divisions among people. Our cultural differences can lead to misunderstanding, discrimination, and conflicts within societies.

It is crucial for individuals to have an open mind and respect for other cultures to foster a harmonious society. By understanding and embracing different cultures, we can create a more inclusive and cohesive community where everyone feels valued and respected.

In conclusion, society and culture go hand in hand in shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors. It is essential to recognize the impact of these concepts on our daily lives while also promoting an inclusive and diverse society. By valuing our differences, we can move towards a better future for all individuals.

Essay on Importance of Education in Society:

Education is one of the most crucial aspects of our society. It plays a vital role in shaping individuals and their perspectives towards life. Education not only provides knowledge, but it also helps us to develop critical thinking skills, moral values, and ethical beliefs.

In today’s world, education has become a necessity for survival. It is no longer seen as a luxury or privilege, but it is a basic human right. The importance of education in society can be seen through its impact on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

For individuals, education opens doors to better career opportunities and higher income levels. It helps them to become self-sufficient and lead a better quality of life. Education also promotes personal growth and enables individuals to make informed decisions.

At the community level, education promotes social cohesion and harmony. It brings people from diverse backgrounds together and helps them to understand and appreciate each other’s cultures, beliefs, and values. Education also plays a crucial role in eradicating social evils such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality.

On a national level, education is instrumental in building a strong economy and creating a skilled workforce. It equips citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of their country. Education also plays a vital role in promoting democracy, social justice, and progress.

In conclusion, education is the cornerstone of our society. It empowers individuals, brings communities together, and strengthens nations. Therefore, it is essential to invest in quality education for all to ensure a better and brighter future for generations to come

Short Essay on humanity:

Humanity is a term that encompasses the collective characteristics, behaviors, and beliefs of human beings as a species. It is often used to describe the positive aspects of human nature such as compassion, empathy, and kindness towards others. However, it also includes the negative aspects such as greed, violence, and selfishness.

Throughout history, humanity has evolved tremendously in terms of technological advancements and societal structures. But at the core, humanity remains the same – with all its complexities and contradictions.

One of the defining characteristics of humanity is our ability to think critically and empathize with others. This has allowed us to understand and relate to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. It has also led to the development of social systems such as laws, education, and healthcare that aim to improve the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

On the other hand, humanity has also been responsible for some of the greatest horrors in history – whether it be wars, genocide, or environmental destruction. This highlights our inherent flaws and the need for constant self-reflection and improvement.

Despite our differences, there is an undeniable sense of interconnectedness amongst all human beings. We all share the same basic needs, desires, and emotions. This is what makes us human, and what ultimately unites us.

In a world that often seems divided and chaotic, it is important to remind ourselves of our shared humanity. It is through understanding and compassion for one another that we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

So let us strive to embrace our humanity, both the good and the bad, and use it to uplift ourselves and those around us. So let’s continue to spread kindness, empathy, and understanding – for that is what truly makes us human.

Essay on Society Today:

Society today is constantly changing, evolving, and adapting to new advancements and challenges. And as we grow and progress, it’s important to reflect on the state of our society in order to understand where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.

One of the biggest trends that has emerged in recent years is the increasing importance placed on diversity and inclusivity. With globalization and the rise of social media, people from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life are coming together like never before. This has led to a greater appreciation for diversity and a call for more representation in all aspects of society.

At the same time, technology has also played a major role in shaping our society today. From smartphones to social media platforms, we are more connected than ever before. This has led to a rapid exchange of information and ideas, making it easier for people to stay informed and engaged.

But with all this progress also comes the rise of challenges such as cyberbullying, online privacy concerns, and fake news. These issues are not only affecting individuals but also society as a whole. It’s important for us to be mindful of the impact of technology on our society and to use it responsibly.

Moreover, as we continue to make strides towards a more inclusive and technologically advanced society, we must also address ongoing issues such as social inequality, poverty, and climate change. These are complex problems that require collective action and a commitment to creating a better world for future generations.

In conclusion, society today is a complex and ever-changing landscape. It’s important for us to stay informed, engaged, and open-minded in order to continue progressing towards a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable future. Let us not forget our past while we strive towards building a better tomorrow.

Essay about Society Problems:

Society has always been an ever-changing entity, and with that comes a plethora of problems that we face as a community. These issues are not limited to one particular part of the world or group of people; they affect us all in some shape or form. From economic struggles to environmental concerns, society is faced with numerous challenges that need to be addressed.

One of the biggest problems that society faces today is economic inequality. Despite advancements in technology and medicine, there is still a stark difference between the wealthy and the poor. This leads to a wide range of issues such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Another pressing problem in society is climate change. The effects of global warming are becoming increasingly evident, with extreme weather events and rising sea levels threatening our planet. This is not just an environmental issue but also a social one as it disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

Furthermore, societal norms and expectations often lead to discrimination and injustice against certain groups of people. Racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination are prevalent issues that need to be addressed in order for society to progress.

In addition, the rapid pace of technological advancements has brought about its own set of problems. From cyberbullying to invasion of privacy, technology has opened up new avenues for societal issues that we must navigate and find solutions for.

It is crucial for us as a society to acknowledge and address these problems in order to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Each and every one of us has a role to play in making our world a better place for ourselves and future generations. Let’s work together towards finding solutions and creating a society where everyone can thrive.

Indian Society Essay:

Indian society is an intricate web of traditions, values and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Despite vast regional differences and cultural diversity, there are a few common threads that bind the people together. The Indian society is deeply rooted in its rich history and heritage, which has shaped its present form.

One of the most significant aspects of Indian society is its emphasis on family and community. Indians place great value on familial relationships, and the joint family system is still prevalent in many parts of the country. In this system, several generations live together under one roof, sharing their lives and responsibilities.

Religion also plays a crucial role in Indian society. With over 80% of the population identifying as Hindus, India is often referred to as the land of spirituality. The country is home to multiple religions, and each one has its unique customs and practices that are deeply ingrained in the culture.

Another defining aspect of Indian society is its diversity. India is a melting pot of different languages, cuisines, traditions, and belief systems. This diversity not only adds to the cultural fabric but also plays a vital role in shaping the country’s economic and social landscape.

Despite its challenges, Indian society has come a long way in terms of progress and development. With a growing economy, advancements in technology, and changing mindsets, the society is constantly evolving. However, it still holds on to its roots and traditions, making it a unique blend of modernity and tradition.

Indian society may have its flaws, but it is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, religions and communities that make it truly one of a kind. So, let us celebrate this diversity and continue to cherish the values that bind us together as Indians.

We live in a society Speech:

Hello everyone!

Today, I want to talk about a topic that is very close to my heart – “We live in a Society”. As we all know, society plays an integral role in our lives. It shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. We may have different cultural backgrounds, but ultimately, we are all part of the same society.

In today’s world, we are heavily influenced by society. It is often the driving force behind our decisions and actions. However, it is crucial to remember that society is not always right. It has its flaws and imperfections, just like anything else.

What makes a society strong and thriving is the unity of its people. We must work together towards a common goal – creating a better world for ourselves and future generations. We must also learn to embrace diversity and respect each other’s differences.

Living in a society means being part of a community where we have rights, but also responsibilities. We must use our voices for the greater good, stand up against injustice, and help those in need. After all, it is only when individuals come together as a collective that real change can happen.

We also must acknowledge the impact of technology and social media on our society. While it has connected us in ways we never thought possible, it has also brought about new challenges. We must use these platforms responsibly and not let them control our lives.

As students, you are the future of our society. It is your responsibility to ensure that society continues to progress and evolve in a positive direction. You have the power to make a difference, no matter how small.

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Q: What is society in essay?

A: In an essay, society is a complex network of individuals living together, sharing common values, norms, and institutions.

Q: What is society in 100 words?

A: Society is a structured community of people who interact, coexist, and share common values, beliefs, and customs. It encompasses social, cultural, economic, and political systems that shape human behavior and relationships. Society provides the framework for individuals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and establish social order. It plays a crucial role in human development, as it influences identity, roles, and opportunities.

The dynamics of society are constantly evolving, influenced by historical events, technological advancements, and cultural changes. A functional and harmonious society is essential for the well-being and progress of its members.

Q: What is the importance of a society?

A: The importance of society lies in providing a structured environment for individuals to live, collaborate, and thrive together, facilitating cooperation, shared resources, cultural development, and social order.

Q: What is society introduction?

A: An introduction to society typically provides a brief overview of what society is, its significance in human life, and its various components, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic in an essay or discussion.

Understanding Collectivist Cultures: Overview & Examples

Charlotte Nickerson

Research Assistant at Harvard University

Undergraduate at Harvard University

Charlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

On This Page:

Key takeaways

Collectivism is the tendency, on the individual and societal level, to view oneself as interdependent and a member of a group rather than as an independent being.
In collectivist cultures, people feel as if they belong to larger in-groups or collectives that care for them in exchange for loyalty (Hofstede & Bond, 1984). As a result, collectivist cultures value collaboration, communalism, constructive interdependence, and conformity to roles and norms.
A collectivist culture is especially likely to emphasize the importance of social harmony, respectfulness, and group needs over individual needs.

Collectivist cultural traits

Collectivism has four important cultural traits.

Firstly, the definition of the self as interdependent — in relation to other people rather than in the abstract traits of an individual (Markus and Kitayama, 1991b; Reykowski, 1994).
Secondly, an alignment of personal and communal goals — meaning that the individual makes decisions accounting for the wants of the collective and what they are bringing or taking away from the group.
Thirdly, there is a greater consideration of social norms than individual attitudes when making decisions. Lastly, there is an emphasis on relationships, even if disadvantageous for individuals.

These cultural traits result in societies being divided into ingroups. While any given person is likely to belong to a few ingroups, the dynamics and closeness of those in ingroups are closer than those in individualistic cultures (Triandis 1995).

Concepts similar to collectivism reach as far back as Plato’s Republic, and interpretations of Confucian ethics — which emphasize goodwill, filial piety, balance, and norms — have shaped far-eastern cultures for nearly 25 centuries (Arcodia).

However, it was not until the mid-to-late 20th century that social scientists began to define and quantify collectivism in its current form.

Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory (1980) examined people’s values in the workplace and created differentiation along three dimensions: small/large power distance, strong/weak uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and individualism/collectivism.

The core of collectivism is the idea that groups bind together and mutually obligate individuals (Kemmelmeier 2002).

As such, collectivists value security, good social relationships, harmony within ingroups, and personalized relationships. (Triandis, McCusker, and Hui, 1990), and collectivistic societies rely on mutual obligations based on status (Schwartz 1994).

The personal is merely a component of the social, and as such, ingroups, rather than individuals, are considered to be the basic unit of a collectivist society.

These ingroups can be as diverse as family, clan, ethnicity, or religion, and as such, the values of collectivist ingroups can be more broadly encompassing than those of individualism. Ingroups are malleable and can occasionally extend to an entire society.

For example, collectivism was a powerful predictor of mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic, both among individuals and cultures (Jin & English 2021).

Individualistic vs. Collectivist Cultures

Individualist cultures and collectivist cultures place emphasis on different basic values.

People who live in individualist cultures tend to believe that independence, competition, and personal achievement are important.

Individuals in Western nations such as the United States, England, and Australia score high on individualism (Oyserman, Coon, & Kemmelmier, 2002).

People who live in collectivist cultures value social harmony, respectfulness, and group needs over individual needs. Individuals who live in countries in Asia, Africa, and South America score high on collectivism (Hofstede, 2001; Triandis, 1995). These values influence personality.

Hofstede outlines a sample of these behavioral differences as follows:

Culture	ic Culture
Use of the word “I” is avoided	Use of the word “I” is encouraged
Interdependent self	Independent self
High introversion	High extraversion
Showing sadness is encouraged, and happiness discouraged	Showing happiness is encouraged, and sadness discouraged
Slower walking speed	Faster walking speed
Dependence on others	Self-supporting lifestyles
Social network is the primary source of information	Media is the primary source of information
Students talk in classes only when sanctioned by the group	Students expected to talk individually in class
Education is learning how to do	Education is learning how to learn
Diplomas provide entry to higher-status groups	Diplomas increase economic worth and/or self respect
Occupational mobility is lower	Occupational mobility is higher
Employees as members of in-groups pursuing the group’s interest	Employees will pursue the employer’s interest if it coincides with self-interest

Traditionally, collectivism stands in contrast to individualism as one of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (1980). Those in collectivist cultures value group cohesion, even at the expense of the individual, while those in individualistic cultures value the self over the group.

However, the difference between collectivism and individualism lies more in the issues each stance focuses on rather than in having opposite positions on the same issues (Kagitcibasi, 1987). The consequences of individualism and collectivism are as far-reaching as language, views of the self, and mobility at work.

Examples of Collectivist Cultures

Individualism and collectivism are so deeply ingrained in a culture that they mold our very self-conceptions and identities.

According to Markus and Kitayama (1991), most North Americans and Europeans have an independent view of the self as an entity that is distinct, autonomous, self-contained, and endowed with unique dispositions.

Yet, in much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, people hold an interdependent view of the self as part of a larger social network that includes one’s family, co-workers, and others to whom we are socially connected.

Consequently, Markus and Kitayama report Americans are more likely to express jealousy, pride, and other ‘ego-focused’ emotions that affirm the self as an autonomous entity, whereas non-westerners are more likely to experience ‘other-focused’ emotions that promote social harmony.

In Japan, e.g., people often report feelings of oime (‘indebtedness to someone’), fureai (‘connection with someone’), and shitashimi (‘familiarity to someone’).

Hofstede’s initial survey rated countries on a 1 to 100 scale from aggregated responses (1980). Hofstede rated Guatemala, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia as the most collectivistic countries in his survey, and eight of the ten most collectivistic cultures belonged to South and Central America, with two (Indonesia and Pakistan) belonging to Asia and the Mid-East, respectively (Hofstede, 1991).

Malaysia is a prototypically collectivist culture. From birth, families encourage children to make ingroups the center of their lives. Families live in intergenerational households, and child-rearing emphasizes warmth and control (Kesharvarez & Baharudin, 2011).

The relationships between employers and employees exist on moral terms, and promotions depend on one’s status within the employer ingroup. However, in Malaysia, as with the other rapidly developing economies in Asia, such as in China and Japan, levels of collectivism are lower among the young, the wealthy, and the urbanized (Cao, 2009).

In particular, employees in Malaysia report a high degree of competition relative to one another, a distinctly individualistic trait (Noordin, 2004).

Turkey is another highly collectivist culture, where decisions ranging from marriage to whether or not to travel depend heavily on considering the ramifications on family (Göregenli, 1997).

Turkish ethnic groups in Western Europe also have high levels of rigidity in social behaviors — cultural “tightness” – in comparison to the general population. Triadis (1995) reports the killing of a Turkish-born teenage girl living in France on account of her integrating too much into French society.

The family collectively decided that the family’s need for cohesion outweighed the girl’s life. Some collectivist cultures, such as that of parts of India, value hierarchy.

Triadis calls these vertical collectivist cultures (1995). Indian society encourages cohesion and interdependence through generations. Approximately 90% of Indian marriages are arranged by families (Jaiswal 2014), and a strict caste system separates the roles and occupations of families and ingroups (Barreman, 1966).

In contrast, horizontal collectivist cultures — such as those of Israeli Kibbutzi — emphasize equality. Kibbutzi are traditionally agrarian settlements where each member contributes to a collective goal, and children are raised communally.

As a result of this equal and collective commitment among members, Kibbutzi has high levels of gender and material equality (Agassi, 1989).

Causes of Collectivism

There are three main factors that lead to collectivism: (i) complexity of a society, (ii) class, and (iii) heterogeneity, such as child-rearing practices (Triandis, 1994).

The majority of the world, about 70% of the population, was collectivist at the end of the 20th century (Triandis 1995). Generally, countries with lower levels of wealth tend to be more collectivistic, and when countries undergo major periods of economic growth, their cultures become more individualistic.

Conversely, economic recession correlated with increased collectivism (Bianchi 2016). Historically, collectivistic communities have been agrarian, where those in, for example, a village hold interdependent roles in a common farm. Philosophies, such as Confuscism, have a heavy hold on contemporary Asian collectivism.

Women tend to be more collectivistic on average than men (Zeffane 2017). Collectivism can sometimes manifest in very-involved child-rearing.

For example, in Chinese culture, children and adults do most activities together, and parents are in close proximity to their children at all times, particularly when the child is under five years old. This fosters mutual dependency, making it desirable for a child to live with older parents or visit frequently.

After scolding a child, in Chinese and Russian cultures, the parent attempts to reestablish closeness through affection, resulting in a personality that is optimistic, trusting, and sociable (Rohner 1986). Collectivist child-rearing tends to be more affectionate but more controlling than individualistic child-rearing.

On the reverse, collectivistic child rearing can also be the result of a large family.

Extended families make collectivism more likely because any one child cannot receive special treatment. Parents in large extended families do not have the resources to cater to the exacting needs of any one child when, for example, cooking (Triandis 1995).

Effects on Behavior

Self concept.

Collectivists tend to define themselves in relation to others, and group membership is a central aspect of collectivist identity (Hofstede, 1980).

The self does not encompass abstract traits — as it does with individualists — so much as the traits of the group that the collectivist belongs to, and life satisfaction comes from successfully carrying out social roles and obligations (Markus & Kitayama 1991).

This manifests literally in the naming conventions of some collectivist cultures. For example, in traditional Indonesian culture, people have first names but are referred to more commonly by their birth order (Triandis 1995).

In collectivism, people are interdependent rather than independent. The well-being of the group defines the success and well-being of the individual, and as such, one protects oneself by considering the needs and feelings of others.

History is more important to collectivists than individualists, as collectivists see themselves as part of a long chain of relationships over hundreds and thousands of years.

The values of this historical collective supersede those of the individual, and thus, the decisions of the collective can trump those of the individualist (Triandis 1995).

Relationships

Collectivist relationships are centered around the ingroup. However, these ingroups vary dramatically between individualists and collectivists.

While individualists maintain ties to a large number of ingroups, each of these revolving around a shared interest, collectivists belong to a more limited number of ingroups, defined by a diverse set of values and interests (Hofstede 1980).

Collectivists value interpersonal harmony and will maintain established relationships even if these relationships are not in their best interests. This is not to say, however, that collectivists do not make some calculations as to whether or not to maintain a relationship.

Regardless, collectivists’ relationships tend to be deeper and more emotionally invested than those of individualists, as these relationships are tied to the belief that by helping others, one is contributing to the well-being of the self.

This is reflected in the language of traditionally collectivist cultures, such as Japan. Shinyuu, which translates to “best friend,” carries enough emotional investment, as in the studies of Aaron Cargile, for those to make major life decisions around the well-being of their friends.

This feeling of shinyuu is often described by Japanese individuals as being willing to give up your life for another (Cargile 2012).

Collectivism gives little credence to the idea that relationships happen between individuals.

Rather, relationships happen in groups. Adults from Asian collectivist cultures, for example, are more likely to do activities — such as skiing — in groups than those from individualistic cultures, who tend to do such sports alone or in couples.

The use of the Japanese word Nakama — friend group — to describe interpersonal relationships has the connotation that friendship happens interdependently rather than between any two individuals (Cargile 2012).

This sense of closeness and interdependence extends to the collectivist extended family and the child-rearing practices of collectivist societies. For example, a stranger may scold a Russian mother for not wrapping up her baby tightly.

The outcomes and ways of parenting children are seen as an extension of the group as a whole (Triandis 1995).

While individualistic relationships tend to work as social contracts, collectivist relationships work on agreeability (Kemmelmeier 2002).

While an individualist may believe that making one’s intentions clear through an argument is beneficial to a relationship, collectivists stray away from conflict. Agreeability often comes at the cost of honesty, and specific forms of dishonesty can be socially sanctioned.

For example, in traditional Greek culture, a surprise visitor can be turned away by the owner shouting, “I am not here,” through the door. Although this is clearly not a true statement — as the guest can presumably recognize the unwilling host’s voice — this is the social script for revealing disinterest.

Collectivism also alters how people see social situations. For example, those in Hispanic collectivist cultures are disproportionately likely to associate social situations with positive feelings and outcomes (Triandis 1995).

Chinese collectivists tend to emphasize common feelings, social usefulness, and acceptance of authority when analyzing social situations, in contrast to Australians (a highly individualistic culture), who emphasize competitiveness, self-confidence, and freedom (Kagitcibasia & Berry, 1989).

Collectivistic cultures tend to be “tight,” meaning that there is a very limited acceptable range of behaviors for any given situation.

For example, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony involves a group sitting in an uncomfortable position for about an hour around a fascinating object, with the highest-ranking member sitting closest to the object and the lowest-ranking member sitting the farthest away.

The group members listen to the distinctive sounds of hot and cold water falling before the tea is offered to the highest-ranking member. He must decline a specific number of times before accepting, after which the tea is offered to the second-highest ranking member.

This calculated process of denial continues with each member and follows a strict sense of customs that must not be broken. However, the formalized rituals of collectivism are fading as countries undergo rapid economic growth. For example, few in the younger Japanese population have experienced a tea ceremony (Triandis 1995).

This parallels a general decline in traditional roles, such as Japanese adults caring for elders (Bellah 1985).

Collectivists value conformity within the ingroup, but this is not so in relation to outgroups. Counterintuitively, those in highly collectivistic cultures can display anti-conformity at higher levels than those from individualistic cultures.

Frager’s (1970) replication of the Asch conformity experiment — where subjects either go with or against an incorrect group in comparing the shapes of lines — showed that Japanese subjects conformed less than those of US (an extraordinary individualist culture) subjects (Triandis et al. 1988).

Although collectivism values harmony, more recent studies on collectivist ingroups show that members of collectivist ingroups can be more vigilant with respect to other group members than those in individualistic ingroups, mindful of the unethical intentions of others (Liu et al. 2009).

As the people in these groups are interdependent, the unethical behavior of an individual can be the downfall of all.

Mental Health

Collectivistic cultures sometimes consider individuality a form of disharmony, and this can have major effects on “acultured” individualists within a collectivistic culture.

Triandis (1995) recounts the story of a Japanese schoolchild who has lived in Tokyo but returned to his rural town. Not speaking the local dialect, he was bullied by the group of schoolchildren as a whole and eventually found dead in a utility closet.

Despite the potentially dire consequences of being excluded from the ingroup, those in collectivist cultures tend to be bullied in lower numbers than those in highly individualistic ones, such as the United States (Smith & Robinson 2019).

“Aculltured” individuals also suffer from depression and suicidal ideation at higher rates than individualists in individualist cultures. However, collectivist cultures tend to have lower suicide rates as a whole (Eskin et al., 2020).

Matsumoto (1989) discovered that collectivists more readily perceive sadness than individualists and are less likely to perceive happiness. Aaron Cargile (2012) has theorized that this is because collectivists tend to find rating oneself as better than others as undesirable.

Japanese men and women tend to underrate – or more realistically rate – their skills in comparison to others. While the average American university student said that he was better than 63% of the population at a given task, Japanese students averaged 47% (Triandis 2005).

As a result, collectivist culture is associated with lower levels of self-esteem and feelings of mastery (Yetim 2003).

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Further Information

Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological review, 98(2), 224.
Triandis, H. C. (1989). The self and social behavior in differing cultural contexts. Psychological review, 96(3), 506.
Oyserman, D., Coon, H. M., & Kemmelmeier, M. (2002). Rethinking individualism and collectivism: evaluation of theoretical assumptions and meta-analyses. Psychological bulletin, 128(1), 3.
Brewer, M. B., & Chen, Y. R. (2007). Where (who) are collectives in collectivism? Toward conceptual clarification of individualism and collectivism. Psychological review, 114(1), 133.
Grossmann, I., & Santos, H. (2017). Individualistic culture.

Social Science

Hard Determinism: Philosophy & Examples (Does Free Will Exist?)

Functions of Attitude Theory

Understanding Conformity: Normative vs. Informational Social Influence

Social Control Theory of Crime

Emotions , Mood , Social Science

Emotional Labor: Definition, Examples, Types, and Consequences

Famous Experiments , Social Science

Solomon Asch Conformity Line Experiment Study

The future of work after COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted labor markets globally during 2020. The short-term consequences were sudden and often severe: Millions of people were furloughed or lost jobs, and others rapidly adjusted to working from home as offices closed. Many other workers were deemed essential and continued to work in hospitals and grocery stores, on garbage trucks and in warehouses, yet under new protocols to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

This report on the future of work after COVID-19 is the first of three MGI reports that examine aspects of the postpandemic economy. The others look at the pandemic’s long-term influence on consumption and the potential for a broad recovery led by enhanced productivity and innovation. Here, we assess the lasting impact of the pandemic on labor demand, the mix of occupations, and the workforce skills required in eight countries with diverse economic and labor market models: China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, these eight countries account for almost half the global population and 62 percent of GDP.

Jobs with the highest physical proximity are likely to be most disrupted

Before COVID-19, the largest disruptions to work involved new technologies and growing trade links. COVID-19 has, for the first time, elevated the importance of the physical dimension of work. In this research, we develop a novel way to quantify the proximity required in more than 800 occupations by grouping them into ten work arenas according to their proximity to coworkers and customers, the number of interpersonal interactions involved, and their on-site and indoor nature.

This offers a different view of work than traditional sector definitions. For instance, our medical care arena includes only caregiving roles requiring close interaction with patients, such as doctors and nurses. Hospital and medical office administrative staff fall into the computer-based office work arena, where more work can be done remotely. Lab technicians and pharmacists work in the indoor production work arena because those jobs require use of specialized equipment on-site but have little exposure to other people (Exhibit 1).

We find that jobs in work arenas with higher levels of physical proximity are likely to see greater transformation after the pandemic, triggering knock-on effects in other work arenas as business models shift in response.

The short- and potential long-term disruptions to these arenas from COVID-19 vary. During the pandemic, the virus most severely disturbed arenas with the highest overall physical proximity scores: medical care, personal care, on-site customer service, and leisure and travel. In the longer term, work arenas with higher physical proximity scores are also likely to be more unsettled, although proximity is not the only explanation. For example:

The on-site customer interaction arena includes frontline workers who interact with customers in retail stores, banks, and post offices, among other places. Work in this arena is defined by frequent interaction with strangers and requires on-site presence. Some work in this arena migrated to e-commerce and other digital transactions, a behavioral change that is likely to stick.
The leisure and travel arena is home to customer-facing workers in hotels, restaurants, airports, and entertainment venues. Workers in this arena interact daily with crowds of new people. COVID-19 forced most leisure venues to close in 2020 and airports and airlines to operate on a severely limited basis. In the longer term, the shift to remote work and related reduction in business travel, as well as automation of some occupations, such as food service roles, may curtail labor demand in this arena.
The computer-based office work arena includes offices of all sizes and administrative workspaces in hospitals, courts, and factories. Work in this arena requires only moderate physical proximity to others and a moderate number of human interactions. This is the largest arena in advanced economies, accounting for roughly one-third of employment. Nearly all potential remote work is within this arena.
The outdoor production and maintenance arena includes construction sites, farms, residential and commercial grounds, and other outdoor spaces. COVID-19 had little impact here as work in this arena requires low proximity and few interactions with others and takes place fully outdoors. This is the largest arena in China and India, accounting for 35 to 55 percent of their workforces.

COVID-19 has accelerated three broad trends that may reshape work after the pandemic recedes

The pandemic pushed companies and consumers to rapidly adopt new behaviors that are likely to stick, changing the trajectory of three groups of trends. We consequently see sharp discontinuity between their impact on labor markets before and after the pandemic.

Remote work and virtual meetings are likely to continue, albeit less intensely than at the pandemic’s peak

Perhaps the most obvious impact of COVID-19 on the labor force is the dramatic increase in employees working remotely. To determine how extensively remote work might persist after the pandemic, we analyzed its potential across more than 2,000 tasks used in some 800 occupations in the eight focus countries. Considering only remote work that can be done without a loss of productivity, we find that about 20 to 25 percent of the workforces in advanced economies could work from home between three and five days a week. This represents four to five times more remote work than before the pandemic and could prompt a large change in the geography of work, as individuals and companies shift out of large cities into suburbs and small cities. We found that some work that technically can be done remotely is best done in person. Negotiations, critical business decisions, brainstorming sessions, providing sensitive feedback, and onboarding new employees are examples of activities that may lose some effectiveness when done remotely.

Some companies are already planning to shift to flexible workspaces after positive experiences with remote work during the pandemic, a move that will reduce the overall space they need and bring fewer workers into offices each day. A survey of 278 executives by McKinsey in August 2020 found that on average, they planned to reduce office space by 30 percent. Demand for restaurants and retail in downtown areas and for public transportation may decline as a result.

Remote work may also put a dent in business travel as its extensive use of videoconferencing during the pandemic has ushered in a new acceptance of virtual meetings and other aspects of work. While leisure travel and tourism are likely to rebound after the crisis, McKinsey’s travel practice estimates that about 20 percent of business travel, the most lucrative segment for airlines, may not return. This would have significant knock-on effects on employment in commercial aerospace, airports, hospitality, and food service. E-commerce and other virtual transactions are booming.

Many consumers discovered the convenience of e-commerce and other online activities during the pandemic. In 2020, the share of e-commerce grew at two to five times the rate before COVID-19 (Exhibit 2). Roughly three-quarters of people using digital channels for the first time during the pandemic say they will continue using them when things return to “normal,” according to McKinsey Consumer Pulse surveys conducted around the world.

Other kinds of virtual transactions such as telemedicine, online banking, and streaming entertainment have also taken off. Online doctor consultations through Practo, a telehealth company in India, grew more than tenfold between April and November 2020 . These virtual practices may decline somewhat as economies reopen but are likely to continue well above levels seen before the pandemic.

This shift to digital transactions has propelled growth in delivery, transportation, and warehouse jobs. In China, e-commerce, delivery, and social media jobs grew by more than 5.1 million during the first half of 2020.

COVID-19 may propel faster adoption of automation and AI, especially in work arenas with high physical proximity

Two ways businesses historically have controlled cost and mitigated uncertainty during recessions are by adopting automation and redesigning work processes, which reduce the share of jobs involving mainly routine tasks. In our global survey of 800 senior executives in July 2020, two-thirds said they were stepping up investment in automation and AI either somewhat or significantly. Production figures for robotics in China exceeded prepandemic levels by June 2020.

Many companies deployed automation and AI in warehouses, grocery stores, call centers, and manufacturing plants to reduce workplace density and cope with surges in demand. The common feature of these automation use cases is their correlation with high scores on physical proximity, and our research finds the work arenas with high levels of human interaction are likely to see the greatest acceleration in adoption of automation and AI.

The mix of occupations may shift, with little job growth in low-wage occupations

The trends accelerated by COVID-19 may spur greater changes in the mix of jobs within economies than we estimated before the pandemic.

We find that a markedly different mix of occupations may emerge after the pandemic across the eight economies. Compared to our pre-COVID-19 estimates, we expect the largest negative impact of the pandemic to fall on workers in food service and customer sales and service roles, as well as less-skilled office support roles. Jobs in warehousing and transportation may increase as a result of the growth in e-commerce and the delivery economy, but those increases are unlikely to offset the disruption of many low-wage jobs. In the United States, for instance, customer service and food service jobs could fall by 4.3 million, while transportation jobs could grow by nearly 800,000. Demand for workers in the healthcare and STEM occupations may grow more than before the pandemic, reflecting increased attention to health as populations age and incomes rise as well as the growing need for people who can create, deploy, and maintain new technologies (Exhibit 3).

Before the pandemic, net job losses were concentrated in middle-wage occupations in manufacturing and some office work, reflecting automation, and low- and high-wage jobs continued to grow. Nearly all low-wage workers who lost jobs could move into other low-wage occupations—for instance, a data entry worker could move into retail or home healthcare. Because of the pandemic’s impact on low-wage jobs, we now estimate that almost all growth in labor demand will occur in high-wage jobs. Going forward, more than half of displaced low-wage workers may need to shift to occupations in higher wage brackets and requiring different skills to remain employed.

As many as 25 percent more workers may need to switch occupations than before the pandemic

Given the expected concentration of job growth in high-wage occupations and declines in low-wage occupations, the scale and nature of workforce transitions required in the years ahead will be challenging, according to our research. Across the eight focus countries, more than 100 million workers, or 1 in 16, will need to find a different occupation by 2030 in our post-COVID-19 scenario, as shown in Exhibit 4. This is 12 percent more than we estimated before the pandemic, and up to 25 percent more in advanced economies (Exhibit 4).

Before the pandemic, we estimated that just 6 percent of workers would need to find jobs in higher wage occupations. In our post-COVID-19 research, we find not only that a larger share of workers will likely need to transition out of the bottom two wage brackets but also that roughly half of them overall will need new, more advanced skills to move to occupations one or even two wage brackets higher.

The skill mix required among workers who need to shift occupations has changed. The share of time German workers spend using basic cognitive skills, for example, may shrink by 3.4 percentage points, while time spend using social and emotional skills will increase by 3.2 percentage points. In India, the share of total work hours expended using physical and manual skills will decline by 2.2 percentage points, while time devoted to technological skills will rise 3.3 percentage points. Workers in occupations in the lowest wage bracket use basic cognitive skills and physical and manual skills 68 percent of the time, while in the middle wage bracket, use of these skills occupies 48 percent of time spent. In the highest two brackets, those skills account for less than 20 percent of time spent. The most disadvantaged workers may have the biggest job transitions ahead, in part because of their disproportionate employment in the arenas most affected by COVID-19. In Europe and the United States, workers with less than a college degree, members of ethnic minority groups, and women are more likely to need to change occupations after COVID-19 than before. In the United States, people without a college degree are 1.3 times more likely to need to make transitions compared to those with a college degree, and Black and Hispanic workers are 1.1 times more likely to have to transition between occupations than white workers. In France, Germany, and Spain, the increase in job transitions required due to trends influenced by COVID-19 is 3.9 times higher for women than for men. Similarly, the need for occupational changes will hit younger workers more than older workers, and individuals not born in the European Union more than native-born workers.

Companies and policymakers can help facilitate workforce transitions

The scale of workforce transitions set off by COVID-19’s influence on labor trends increases the urgency for businesses and policymakers to take steps to support additional training and education programs for workers. Companies and governments exhibited extraordinary flexibility and adaptability in responding to the pandemic with purpose and innovation that they might also harness to retool the workforce in ways that point to a brighter future of work.

Businesses can start with a granular analysis of what work can be done remotely by focusing on the tasks involved rather than whole jobs. They can also play a larger role in retraining workers, as Walmart, Amazon, and IBM have done. Others have facilitated occupational shifts by focusing on the skills they need, rather than on academic degrees. Remote work also offers companies the opportunity to enrich their diversity by tapping workers who, for family and other reasons, were unable to relocate to the superstar cities where talent, capital, and opportunities concentrated before the pandemic.

Policymakers could support businesses by expanding and enhancing the digital infrastructure. Even in advanced economies, almost 20 percent of workers in rural households lack access to the internet. Governments could also consider extending benefits and protections to independent workers and to workers working to build their skills and knowledge mid-career.

Both businesses and policymakers could collaborate to support workers migrating between occupations. Under the Pact for Skills established in the European Union during the pandemic, companies and public authorities have dedicated €7 billion to enhancing the skills of some 700,000 automotive workers, while in the United States, Merck and other large companies have put up more than $100 million to burnish the skills of Black workers without a college education and create jobs that they can fill.

The reward of such efforts would be a more resilient, more talented, and better-paid workforce—and a more robust and equitable society.

Go behind the scenes and get more insights with “ Where the jobs are: An inside look at our new Future of Work research ” from our New at McKinsey blog.

Susan Lund and Anu Madgavkar are partners of the McKinsey Global Institute, where James Manyika and Sven Smit are co-chairs and directors. Kweilin Ellingrud is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Minneapolis office. Mary Meaney is a senior partner in the Paris office. Olivia Robinson is a consultant in the London office.

This report was edited by Stephanie Strom, a senior editor with the McKinsey Global Institute, and Peter Gumbel, MGI editorial director.

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COVID-19 and jobs: Monitoring the US impact on people and places

Reference Examples

More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual . Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual .

To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of work (e.g., journal article ) and follow the relevant example.

When selecting a category, use the webpages and websites category only when a work does not fit better within another category. For example, a report from a government website would use the reports category, whereas a page on a government website that is not a report or other work would use the webpages and websites category.

Also note that print and electronic references are largely the same. For example, to cite both print books and ebooks, use the books and reference works category and then choose the appropriate type of work (i.e., book ) and follow the relevant example (e.g., whole authored book ).

Examples on these pages illustrate the details of reference formats. We make every attempt to show examples that are in keeping with APA Style’s guiding principles of inclusivity and bias-free language. These examples are presented out of context only to demonstrate formatting issues (e.g., which elements to italicize, where punctuation is needed, placement of parentheses). References, including these examples, are not inherently endorsements for the ideas or content of the works themselves. An author may cite a work to support a statement or an idea, to critique that work, or for many other reasons. For more examples, see our sample papers .

Reference examples are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 10 and the Concise Guide Chapter 10

Related handouts

Common Reference Examples Guide (PDF, 147KB)
Reference Quick Guide (PDF, 225KB)

Textual Works

Textual works are covered in Sections 10.1–10.8 of the Publication Manual . The most common categories and examples are presented here. For the reviews of other works category, see Section 10.7.

Journal Article References
Magazine Article References
Newspaper Article References
Blog Post and Blog Comment References
UpToDate Article References
Book/Ebook References
Diagnostic Manual References
Children’s Book or Other Illustrated Book References
Classroom Course Pack Material References
Religious Work References
Chapter in an Edited Book/Ebook References
Dictionary Entry References
Wikipedia Entry References
Report by a Government Agency References
Report with Individual Authors References
Brochure References
Ethics Code References
Fact Sheet References
ISO Standard References
Press Release References
White Paper References
Conference Presentation References
Conference Proceeding References
Published Dissertation or Thesis References
Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis References
ERIC Database References
Preprint Article References

Data and Assessments

Data sets are covered in Section 10.9 of the Publication Manual . For the software and tests categories, see Sections 10.10 and 10.11.

Data Set References
Toolbox References

Audiovisual Media

Audiovisual media are covered in Sections 10.12–10.14 of the Publication Manual . The most common examples are presented together here. In the manual, these examples and more are separated into categories for audiovisual, audio, and visual media.

Artwork References
Clip Art or Stock Image References
Film and Television References
Musical Score References
Online Course or MOOC References
Podcast References
PowerPoint Slide or Lecture Note References
Radio Broadcast References
TED Talk References
Transcript of an Audiovisual Work References
YouTube Video References

Online Media

Online media are covered in Sections 10.15 and 10.16 of the Publication Manual . Please note that blog posts are part of the periodicals category.

Facebook References
Instagram References
LinkedIn References
Online Forum (e.g., Reddit) References
TikTok References
X References
Webpage on a Website References
Clinical Practice References
Open Educational Resource References
Whole Website References

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Reference examples
More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual.Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual.. To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of ...