Material and Non-Material Culture
Illustrate the components of material and non-material culture using examples from Marvin Harris’ study of the sacred cow in India and from Read and Bartkowski’s study of veiling among Muslim women in Austin.
Take a solid paragraph or two to define in your own words the key concepts of material culture, beliefs, values, and norms.
Take four to six substantial paragraphs to illustrate each of those four concepts using examples from the two studies under consideration. Ideally, there should be some examples from Read and Bartkowski and some examples from Harris. THIS IS IMPORTANT: Be sure to carefully explain why the examples you pick illustrate the concepts they do.
Conclude with a quick paragraph to summarize your thinking about material and nonmaterial culture in the two studies under consideration.
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Material/Non-material Culture
Material culture refers to the tangible, physical objects and artifacts created, used, and valued by a society. These include tools, clothing, structures, and technology. However, non-material culture has beliefs, values, norms, practices, traditions, language, symbols, and ideologies that impact society's thoughts and actions. Material culture is culture's "stuff"; non-material culture is the ideas, beliefs, and values that give it significance. Individuals base their worldview on their core beliefs. These beliefs often shape a society's values, conventions, and cultural identity. Values define societal acceptance, morality, and benefit. The explicit rules guiding community behavior are called norms, and they tell people how to behave in different social circumstances. Beliefs, values, and norms form a complex web of shared ideas and expectations that shape a culture's interactions, decisions, and worldviews.
Harris's study of the sacred cow in India shows how material culture is expressed through culturally and religiously significant things. The cow is more than a pastoral animal in India; it shapes its social fabric. The cow is sacred and forbidden to be killed or eaten, showing deep religious beliefs. In addition to its spiritual significance, the cow is a vital resource for Indian agriculture. Milk is a staple and the basis of many dairy products (Harris). As oxen, cows assist farmers in plowing fields and conveying commodities. Even its feces are used as fuel and fertilizer, showing how this material entity is integrated into daily life. India's material culture relies on the cow since religious beliefs are inextricably linked to its presence.
Read and Bartkowski found that Muslim women's veils represent material culture. These veils have cultural and religious significance beyond their practical use. Muslim diversity is reflected in veil style, color, and design. Some women wear restrictive veils to follow cultural and religious conventions. Others wear trendy veil styles while adhering to their faith. Veils communicate cultural identity and religious beliefs dynamically (Read & Bartkowski, 399). A woman's commitment to her faith, cultural history, and individualism shows ho...