Final answer:
Material culture refers to physical objects, while nonmaterial culture consists of the ideas and beliefs a society holds. Smartphones represent nonmaterial values like connectivity, currency signifies economic trust, and textbooks reflect educational beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the difference between material and nonmaterial culture. Material culture refers to the tangible objects and belongings of a group of people, while nonmaterial culture includes the ideas, attitudes, and beliefs of a society, which are intangible. To illustrate the relationship between material and nonmaterial culture, we can examine three common items from everyday life.
- Smartphones: As a material object, a smartphone represents technology and innovation. On a nonmaterial level, it embodies values such as connectivity, instant access to information, and the importance of staying socially engaged.
- Currency: Currency, such as paper money and coins, is a material aspect of culture. Nonmaterially, it represents the economic system, trust in governmental and financial institutions, and a medium for exchange of goods and services.
- Education Textbooks: These are material objects used in schools. Nonmaterially, they reflect the educational standards, the value placed on knowledge acquisition, and teaching methods that are prevalent in a society.
Understanding the difference between material and nonmaterial culture helps us comprehend how physical objects carry deeper meanings and reflect the values and beliefs of our society.