What is culture and society as a complex whole?
The classic anthropological definition of culture is “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” (E. B. Tylor 1871).
How do society and culture shape the self?
Our culture shapes the way we work and play, and it makes a difference in how we view ourselves and others. It affects our values—what we consider right and wrong. This is how the society we live in influences our choices. But our choices can also influence others and ultimately help shape our society.
What is culture and how does it affect well-being?
WT: It’s complex. A culture is a whole system of beliefs and attitudes and practices. We have different studies showing how particular ideas, particular beliefs, and particular socialization practices can influence well-being—but, most likely, it’s not any single one thing.
How does culture affect your self-worth?
If you feel like your self-worth is contingent on approval from other people, that is something that affects well-being, and that may account for cultural differences in well-being.
Why is it important to understand cultural differences?
Understanding cultural differences was the whole reason why I became fascinated with the field. Cultural psychology started out by documenting differences between groups of people, and that was important research. But I also think that there’s a risk sometimes when you overemphasize a difference.
Is self-esteem more important to happiness in the west than East Asia?
Even the factors that promote happiness may be different, as self-esteem is more important to our feelings of life satisfaction in the West than in East Asia. In the interview below, Tov unpacks some of these findings and why they matter.