What is culture?

Culture is a foundational concept in Sociology, referring to the shared norms, values, beliefs, customs, and material objects that shape the way of life of a group. It encompasses everything from language and religion to fashion and food, acting as a 'blueprint' for behaviour. For OCR A-Level Sociology, understanding culture is essential because it underpins how societies function, how individuals develop their identity, and how social order is maintained. Culture is not static; it evolves over time and varies across societies, making it a key lens for analysing social change and diversity.

In the OCR specification, culture is explored within the 'Socialisation, Culture and Identity' topic. You'll examine how culture is transmitted through socialisation (primary and secondary), how it shapes identity (including class, gender, ethnicity, and age), and how different sociological perspectives interpret culture. For example, functionalists see culture as a source of social solidarity, while Marxists view it as a tool of ruling-class ideology. This topic also connects to debates about globalisation, multiculturalism, and subcultures, making it highly relevant to contemporary issues like cultural hybridity and identity politics.

Mastering this concept is crucial for exam success because it appears in multiple question types, from short definitions to extended essays on identity and socialisation. A strong grasp of culture allows you to critically evaluate theories and apply them to real-world examples, such as the role of media in shaping cultural norms or the impact of migration on cultural diversity. By the end of this topic, you should be able to define culture, distinguish between different types (e.g., high vs. popular culture), and analyse how culture influences individual and group identities.