Final answer:
High culture refers to the cultural patterns associated with the social elite, characterized by intellectualism, wealth, and exclusivity. It often contrasts with low culture, which is associated with lower social classes. This dichotomy can be seen as a reflection of ethnocentric viewpoints, while overlooking the complexity and worth of all cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture of Sophistication and Worth
The culture named for aspiring to the highest levels of worth and sophistication is often referred to as high culture. High culture encompasses the set of cultural products, such as art, music, literature, and forms of entertainment, that are associated with the social elite or the aristocracy. This culture is often characterized by formal, exclusive events like ballets, symphonies, and prestigious university attendances, and is linked to intellectualism, political power, and prestige. Conversely, the term low culture is used to describe the cultural patterns associated with lower class segments of society. Both labels of 'high' and 'low' culture can reflect underlying ethnocentric views, where a society may regard its own culture or the culture of the economically affluent as superior.
Throughout history, European and Euro-American cultural standards have tended to dominate, labeling cultures as more or less advanced based on a scale of socio-cultural sophistication. This view often correlates with economic status, technological development, and political power. However, such a perspective overlooks the complexity and diverse values of different cultures, including those that may prioritize environmental knowledge and sustainability over material wealth or technological advancement.
The elite culture in historical contexts, such as the Tang dynasty, was closely integrated with the cosmic order, with all practices expressing cosmic patterns. This demonstrates how culture has often been intertwined with a society's worldview and used to elevate certain groups within that society. The role of culture in defining merit and class status within different societies is evident in historical records detailing rituals, ceremonies, and intellectual traditions.