The Significance of Material and Non-Material Culture in Society
Culture is an integral part of society, influencing the way people live, think and interact with one another. Culture encompasses both material and non-material elements, making it complex yet essential for society’s development and progress. In this blog article, we’ll explore the significance of material and non-material culture and how it influences society.
What is Material and Non-Material Culture?
Material culture refers to the artifacts that humans use, such as tools, clothing, buildings, and other physical objects. It involves the sweat and toil of human beings to manufacture these tangible items. On the other hand, non-material culture includes the invisible aspects of culture that are not tangible, such as beliefs, values, customs, and traditions. Both material and non-material culture work hand in hand and continually influence each other.
The Interrelationship Between Material and Non-Material Culture
Material and non-material culture are interdependent, and one cannot exist without the other. Material culture reflects a society’s values and reflects its beliefs and behavior. For instance, the grandeur of a cathedral or a palace reflects a society’s wealth and the importance of religion. The clothing worn by people in society also reflects the importance of tradition and the influence of culture.
Non-material culture influences the way that people use material objects. For example, a nation with a pacifist culture will not manufacture weapons of war. The nation will instead concentrate on producing products that will enhance life, such as computers, medical equipment, and literature.
The Role of Material Culture in Society
Material culture plays a crucial role in society’s development and progress, particularly in the economic sector. Economic historians are convinced that the economy is the driving force behind the advancement of material culture. The availability of resources, innovation, and technology have all played an essential role in the development of material culture. The increase in production and the use of new technologies have impacted people’s way of life and has contributed significantly to the well-being of society.
Material culture also has a social and psychological impact on people. The design and functionality of the material objects we use impact our perception of the world around us. For example, a city designed for walking and public transportation makes people more likely to interact with one another. A city designed for automobiles, however, can make people feel isolated and disconnected from one another.
The Importance of Non-Material Culture in Society
Non-material culture is equally important to society as material culture, if not more so. Non-material culture comprises people’s beliefs, customs, and values and unites them into a cohesive society. Non-material culture is essential in reinforcing the way people understand and perceive society. For example, national symbols, like flags, help people identify themselves with a particular set of beliefs, ideas, and values.
Non-material culture also helps in shaping human relationships. It guides our behaviors towards one another, regulating social harmony, and creating interpersonal cohesion. Values that people’s hold, such as fairness, honesty, and respect, are the bedrock of society and form essential building blocks that uphold the society’s social fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, material and non-material culture is critical and intertwined aspects of society, with each supporting and influencing the other. Material culture has physical and economic impacts on society, affecting societal progress and development. Non-material culture, on the other hand, influences people’s perceptions, interactions, and relationships with one another. Both aspects of culture are essential in building a cohesive and well-functioning society.
