Understanding Cultural Universals: A Definition and Its Significance in Sociology
Cultural universals are the patterns and traits that exist across all known human societies. These traits may include cultural norms, beliefs, values, and behaviors. Understanding cultural universals is important in sociology because it helps to shed light on the commonalities and differences between different societies. In this article, we will delve deeper into the definition and significance of cultural universals in sociology.
What are Cultural Universals?
The concept of cultural universals was popularized by George Murdock, a prominent American anthropologist. According to Murdock, cultural universals are the commonalities that exist across different cultures. These traits are considered to be essential for human survival, and they are found in all societies. Examples of cultural universals include language, marriage, music, art, and religion.
Why are Cultural Universals Significant in Sociology?
Cultural universals are significant in sociology because they help to highlight the similarities and differences between different societies. They also provide insights into the fundamental aspects of human behavior. By studying cultural universals, sociologists can gain a better understanding of why certain behaviors and beliefs are prevalent in certain cultures.
Cultural Universals and Human Behavior
Cultural universals are closely linked to human behavior. This is because they reflect the basic needs and desires that all human beings share. For example, language is a cultural universal because it allows humans to communicate with one another. Marriage is also a cultural universal because it provides a way for humans to form families and procreate.
Examples of Cultural Universals
The following are some examples of cultural universals:
– Art: All cultures have some form of art, whether it be paintings, sculptures, or music.
– Language: All cultures have a language that is used to communicate with one another.
– Marriage: All cultures have some form of marriage that is used to form families.
– Religion: All cultures have some form of religion that is used to explain the nature of the universe and our place in it.
Conclusion
Understanding cultural universals is important in sociology because it helps to provide insights into the fundamental aspects of human behavior. By studying cultural universals, sociologists can gain a better understanding of why certain behaviors and beliefs are prevalent in certain cultures. Cultural universals are the essential patterns and traits that exist across all known human societies, and they include cultural norms, beliefs, values, and behaviors. Examples of cultural universals include language, marriage, music, art, and religion.
