Final answer:
Material culture consists of the physical aspects of a culture such as objects and spaces, while nonmaterial culture relates to values, beliefs, and practices. Identifying cultural objects and examining their nonmaterial cultural significance reveal underlying societal values. Differences in perceiving such cultural norms highlight cultural universals, ethnocentrism, and xenocentrism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Material and Nonmaterial Culture
Material culture encompasses the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. These objects have a direct link to the way people live in a society, including buildings, tools, and art. Nonmaterial culture, on the other hand, includes the intangible elements of culture such as values, beliefs, norms, language, and practices that are shared among the members of a society and influence their behavior.
Identifying Cultural Objects and Their Significance
A simple exercise to understand one's own culture involves identifying ten objects of regular cultural experience and analyzing the nonmaterial cultural aspects they represent. This activity reveals how material objects are embodiments of societal values and beliefs. Objects such as smartphones might represent connectivity and technological advancement, while national flags could signify patriotism and identity.
Cultural Perception and Understanding
Different cultures perceive physical closeness, such as hand-holding, in varied ways—a clear demonstration of differences in cultural values, subject to interpretation and cultural context. The hand-holding example serves to illustrate that one society’s norm may be perceived differently by another, highlighting the idea of cultural universals and the contrast between ethnocentrism and xenocentrism.