Final answer:
True. Culture is to human beings as water is to fish, meaning it pervades our lives and influences us in ways we may not consciously perceive. It shapes our behaviors, values, and interactions within our societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'Hofstede says culture is to human beings as water is to fish, you are in it without realizing it' speaks to the idea that culture is omnipresent and influences our thoughts and actions in ways we may not consciously recognize. This comparison is indeed true. Culture is a complex amalgamation of behaviors, values, beliefs, and social norms that shape our everyday experiences. We often navigate through cultural norms and values without giving them much thought, much like a fish swims in water without considering the nature of the water itself.
Culture greatly impacts human beings across different societies. The way we interpret situations, our social relationships, and even our interactions with our environment are defined by cultural contexts. For example, dietary choices can have lasting effects on our health and biophysiology. The practices of Turkish carpet merchants and Brazilian Carnival participants are both cultural behaviors reflective of wider patterns of thought within their respective societies. Such cultural elements, while shared, can also be contested within societies, reflecting a dynamic and evolving nature of culture.
To further articulate, Geert Hofstede's work emphasizes the invisible yet pervasive impact of culture on human societies. We create and are simultaneously shaped by our cultural environment, thus making culture a significant force in our lives. Culture encapsulates everything from knowledge, belief, art, and morals, to laws and customs, affecting human beings and their interaction with the world they inhabit. Understanding culture necessarily involves recognizing the visible and invisible influences that mold our lives and societies.