CultureCulture

Looking at its patterns and Looking at its patterns and processesprocesses

Agree with Karl Popper – “Agree with Karl Popper – “The more The more we learn about the world, and the we learn about the world, and the deeper our learning, the more deeper our learning, the more conscious, specific, and articulate conscious, specific, and articulate will be our knowledge of what we will be our knowledge of what we do not know.”do not know.”

Culture IntroductionCulture Introduction

Culture is everywhere!Culture is everywhere! Cultural Geography: study of people’s Cultural Geography: study of people’s

lifestyles, their creations and their lifestyles, their creations and their relationships to the earth and the relationships to the earth and the supernaturalsupernatural

Involves both tangible and non-Involves both tangible and non-tangible areas of studytangible areas of study– Example: architecture and religionExample: architecture and religion

Culture is gigantic and difficult to Culture is gigantic and difficult to study!study!

Culture BasicsCulture Basics

Culture defined: a people’s way of life, their Culture defined: a people’s way of life, their behaviors, and their shared understanding of lifebehaviors, and their shared understanding of life

Culture is a learned system of meaningCulture is a learned system of meaning– Material components of culture: tangible artifacts that Material components of culture: tangible artifacts that

can be physically left behind like clothing and can be physically left behind like clothing and architecturearchitecture

– Nonmaterial components of culture: thoughts and ideas Nonmaterial components of culture: thoughts and ideas of a people like religions or moralsof a people like religions or morals

Carl Sauer: developed idea of cultural landscape Carl Sauer: developed idea of cultural landscape (a.k.a. built environment)(a.k.a. built environment)– The cultural landscape comprises the physical The cultural landscape comprises the physical

implications of human culture-where human culture implications of human culture-where human culture exists, it leaves a cultural landscape as their unique exists, it leaves a cultural landscape as their unique imprint on the earthimprint on the earth

Cultural Basics, cont.Cultural Basics, cont.

Culture changes all the time and leaves Culture changes all the time and leaves historical remnants all overhistorical remnants all over

Sequent occupance defined: the Sequent occupance defined: the succession of different culturessuccession of different cultures– Example: La Plaza de las Tres CulturasExample: La Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Cultural ecology defined: the systematic Cultural ecology defined: the systematic study of human-environment interactionstudy of human-environment interaction

The Layers of CultureThe Layers of Culture

Culture trait: simplest component, a single Culture trait: simplest component, a single attribute of a cultureattribute of a culture– Example: food, clothing, shaking of handsExample: food, clothing, shaking of hands

Culture complex: combination of all cultural Culture complex: combination of all cultural traits to create a unique set of traitstraits to create a unique set of traits– Example: American culture or Japanese cultureExample: American culture or Japanese culture

Culture systems: when culture complexes Culture systems: when culture complexes share particular traits and they merge share particular traits and they merge togethertogether– Example: people in the South speak with different Example: people in the South speak with different

accent that people in the North but still share a the accent that people in the North but still share a the larger American culturelarger American culture

Nature of CultureNature of Culture

Conclusions Anthropologists and Conclusions Anthropologists and Historians have come to about the Historians have come to about the nature of culture:nature of culture:

Learned, shared behaviorLearned, shared behavior Necessary for cooperation – establishes Necessary for cooperation – establishes

predictability and trustpredictability and trust Culture is irrational – not internally Culture is irrational – not internally

consistent, nor does it consistently consistent, nor does it consistently recommend the “right” choicesrecommend the “right” choices

Defines what is “real” – the nature of realityDefines what is “real” – the nature of reality Every society, and therefore individual, is Every society, and therefore individual, is

influenced by multiple layers of culture.influenced by multiple layers of culture.

Environmental Environmental DeterminismDeterminism One thought that answers question “Does the One thought that answers question “Does the

earth make humans take the actions they do.”earth make humans take the actions they do.” Developed by Greeks and says human Developed by Greeks and says human

behavior is controlled by physical environmentbehavior is controlled by physical environment ““Ideal” climates lead to productive Ideal” climates lead to productive

civilizationscivilizations– Example: ancient Egypt along the Nile or FloridaExample: ancient Egypt along the Nile or Florida

Harsher climates do not create productive Harsher climates do not create productive cultural groupscultural groups– Example: Siberia or countries in the Sahara desertExample: Siberia or countries in the Sahara desert

PossiblismPossiblism

Provides a counterargument to Provides a counterargument to environmental determinismenvironmental determinism

Argues that natural environment places no Argues that natural environment places no restrictions on humans whatsoever!restrictions on humans whatsoever!

Believes that restrictions humans face are Believes that restrictions humans face are placed on ourselvesplaced on ourselves– Example: Phoenix, ArizonaExample: Phoenix, Arizona

Political ecology takes it one step further and Political ecology takes it one step further and argues the government of a region affects argues the government of a region affects the environment which in turns affects the environment which in turns affects choices available to people in the regionchoices available to people in the region

Folk and Popular Folk and Popular CultureCulture Folk culture: limited to smaller region Folk culture: limited to smaller region

and smaller number of people than pop and smaller number of people than pop cultureculture– Usually isolated groups that have long-Usually isolated groups that have long-

lasting culture traits that haven’t lasting culture traits that haven’t substantially changed over timesubstantially changed over time

Example: AmishExample: Amish

Popular culture: mass culture that Popular culture: mass culture that diffuses rapidlydiffuses rapidly– Example: 1960’s or Rock and RollExample: 1960’s or Rock and Roll

Gender Issues in Gender Issues in CultureCulture Defined: category of classifying humans Defined: category of classifying humans

reflecting not just biological but also social reflecting not just biological but also social differences between men and womendifferences between men and women

Throughout history, there has been a gender Throughout history, there has been a gender gap. Current issues includegap. Current issues include– High maternal mortality rates-women in less High maternal mortality rates-women in less

developed countries are 100-600 times more likely to developed countries are 100-600 times more likely to die in childbirthdie in childbirth

– Female infanticide: seen in countries where men are Female infanticide: seen in countries where men are more desired like China or India where parents can’t more desired like China or India where parents can’t pay the dowrypay the dowry

– Dowry Death: a bride is killed by her husbands family Dowry Death: a bride is killed by her husbands family because her father didn’t/couldn’t pay the dowrybecause her father didn’t/couldn’t pay the dowry

– Enfranchisement: most women can’t vote todayEnfranchisement: most women can’t vote today– Gender imbalance: places like China and India where Gender imbalance: places like China and India where

men outnumber women creating huge social men outnumber women creating huge social problemsproblems

– Longevity gap: despite issues, women typically live Longevity gap: despite issues, women typically live longer than menlonger than men

Ethnic Issues in Ethnic Issues in CultureCulture Defined: sets of rules that people create to Defined: sets of rules that people create to

define their group through actual or perceived define their group through actual or perceived shared culture traits, such as language, shared culture traits, such as language, religion and nationalityreligion and nationality

Very debated term because no one really Very debated term because no one really knows how to define global ethnicitiesknows how to define global ethnicities

Ghetto: region in which an ethnic minority is Ghetto: region in which an ethnic minority is forced to live by economic, legal or forced to live by economic, legal or governmental pressuresgovernmental pressures

Ethnic Enclave: place in which an ethnic Ethnic Enclave: place in which an ethnic minority is concentrated, sometimes in the minority is concentrated, sometimes in the form of a ghettoform of a ghetto

Enclave: a place in which a minority group is Enclave: a place in which a minority group is concentrated and surrounded by a hostile or concentrated and surrounded by a hostile or unwelcoming majorityunwelcoming majority

Barrio: Spanish-speaking enclave in a cityBarrio: Spanish-speaking enclave in a city

Race issues in CultureRace issues in Culture

Defined: classification system of Defined: classification system of humans based on skin color and other humans based on skin color and other physical characteristicsphysical characteristics

Throughout history, race has been Throughout history, race has been used to separate groups of peopleused to separate groups of people– Example: Apartheid, South AfricaExample: Apartheid, South Africa

It is not always a clear distinction It is not always a clear distinction between race and ethnicity but between race and ethnicity but ethnicity is usually seen to incorporate ethnicity is usually seen to incorporate more than just racemore than just race– Example: Turks in GermanyExample: Turks in Germany

Culture Regions and Culture Regions and RealmsRealms We already learned formal, functional and We already learned formal, functional and

perceptual regions-there is another type, perceptual regions-there is another type, cultural regionscultural regions

Culture region defined: drawn around places Culture region defined: drawn around places and peoples with similarities in their culture and peoples with similarities in their culture systemssystems– Becomes more a question of perspective than Becomes more a question of perspective than

anything else!anything else! Culture realm defined: merging together of Culture realm defined: merging together of

culture regionsculture regions People typically feel a sense of emotional People typically feel a sense of emotional

attachment to particular regions leading to attachment to particular regions leading to regional identitiesregional identities

Regional identities often lead to perceptual Regional identities often lead to perceptual regionsregions– Example: People from Texas consider themselves Example: People from Texas consider themselves

from the Southwest but people from California from the Southwest but people from California consider Texans to be southernconsider Texans to be southern

Cultural DiffusionCultural Diffusion

Cultural diffusion defined: spread of Cultural diffusion defined: spread of people’s culture across spacepeople’s culture across space– Two categories of diffusion existTwo categories of diffusion exist

Expansion diffusion: cultural component spreads Expansion diffusion: cultural component spreads outward to new places while remaining strong in outward to new places while remaining strong in its original hearthits original hearth

Relocation diffusion: actual movement of Relocation diffusion: actual movement of original adopters from their point of origin original adopters from their point of origin (hearth) to a new place(hearth) to a new place

Spatial diffusion: spread of any Spatial diffusion: spread of any phenomenon across space (like a phenomenon across space (like a disease)disease)

Expansion DiffusionExpansion Diffusion

Several forms existsSeveral forms exists Stimulus expansion diffusion: happens when Stimulus expansion diffusion: happens when

an innovative idea diffuses from its hearth an innovative idea diffuses from its hearth outward but original idea is changed by new outward but original idea is changed by new adoptersadopters– Example: MicrosoftExample: Microsoft

Contagious expansion diffusion: when Contagious expansion diffusion: when numerous places or people near the point of numerous places or people near the point of origin become adopters (or infected in the origin become adopters (or infected in the case of disease)case of disease)– Example: spread of diseases or KFC restaurantsExample: spread of diseases or KFC restaurants

Hierarchical expansion diffusion: occurs when Hierarchical expansion diffusion: occurs when diffusion innovation or concept spreads from a diffusion innovation or concept spreads from a place or person of power or high susceptibility place or person of power or high susceptibility to another in a leveled patternto another in a leveled pattern– Example: rap music moved from large to small citiesExample: rap music moved from large to small cities

Relocation DiffusionRelocation Diffusion

Different from expansion diffusion where Different from expansion diffusion where innovation or disease does the moving, here innovation or disease does the moving, here the people do the movingthe people do the moving– Examples: HIV/AIDS, Chinese food in AmericaExamples: HIV/AIDS, Chinese food in America

Migrant diffusion: where innovation spreads Migrant diffusion: where innovation spreads and lasts only a brief time in the newly and lasts only a brief time in the newly adopted place-makes finding the place of adopted place-makes finding the place of origin difficultorigin difficult– Example: the flu, native languagesExample: the flu, native languages

Most diffusion is mixed and doesn’t fit into Most diffusion is mixed and doesn’t fit into one category!one category!– Example: HIV/AIDSExample: HIV/AIDS

Maladaptive DiffusionMaladaptive Diffusion

Defined: adoption of a diffusing trait that is Defined: adoption of a diffusing trait that is impractical for a region or cultureimpractical for a region or culture

Occurs because popular culture doesn’t Occurs because popular culture doesn’t always reflect its original environmentalways reflect its original environment

Many see this as a negative because pop Many see this as a negative because pop culture has lead to an increase in culture has lead to an increase in consumptionconsumption– Created overfilled landfills with water bottles or Created overfilled landfills with water bottles or

people driving by themselves instead of in carpoolspeople driving by themselves instead of in carpools ExamplesExamples

– Blue jeans in warm climatesBlue jeans in warm climates– What examples can you think of?What examples can you think of?

Cultural ConvergenceCultural Convergence

Defined: process of two cultures adopting Defined: process of two cultures adopting each other’s traits and becoming more alikeeach other’s traits and becoming more alike

Typically, when two cultures come into Typically, when two cultures come into contact, one will be more powerful than the contact, one will be more powerful than the otherother

Acculturation: when “weaker” of two cultures Acculturation: when “weaker” of two cultures adopts traits from more dominant cultureadopts traits from more dominant culture– Example: foreign foods in U.S. or immigrants being Example: foreign foods in U.S. or immigrants being

bilingualbilingual Assimilation: when original traits of weaker Assimilation: when original traits of weaker

culture are completely erased and replaced by culture are completely erased and replaced by traits of more dominant culturetraits of more dominant culture– Example: war, immigrants no longer speaking native Example: war, immigrants no longer speaking native

languagelanguage

Transculturation and Transculturation and the S-Curvethe S-Curve Transculturation defined: occurs when Transculturation defined: occurs when

two cultures of just about equal power two cultures of just about equal power or influence meet and exchange ideas or influence meet and exchange ideas or traits without the domination seen in or traits without the domination seen in acculturation and assimilationacculturation and assimilation– Example: idea of “melting pot” in U.S.Example: idea of “melting pot” in U.S.

S-curve: path diffusion often followsS-curve: path diffusion often follows– Early adopters: innovators Early adopters: innovators – Majority adopters: more people adopt Majority adopters: more people adopt

innovationinnovation– Late adopters: stragglers to innovationLate adopters: stragglers to innovation– Example: computers or cell phonesExample: computers or cell phones

Sample S-CurveSample S-Curve

Technology S-Technology S-CurvesCurves

Cultural ImperialismCultural Imperialism

Defined: the invasion of a culture into another Defined: the invasion of a culture into another with the intent of dominating the invaded with the intent of dominating the invaded culture politically, economically and/or sociallyculture politically, economically and/or socially

Many people in the world feel that Many people in the world feel that globalization is really cultural imperialismglobalization is really cultural imperialism

Cultural nationalism has risen in response to Cultural nationalism has risen in response to cultural imperialism-it is the rise of anticultural cultural imperialism-it is the rise of anticultural imperial forces, the fight by regions and imperial forces, the fight by regions and cultures to resist cultural convergence and cultures to resist cultural convergence and imperialism and remain distinctimperialism and remain distinct

Cultural homogeneity: cultural samenessCultural homogeneity: cultural sameness– This is being seen across the globe because of This is being seen across the globe because of

globalization and the internetglobalization and the internet

Ethnic CleansingEthnic Cleansing

Used throughout history to justify the systematic Used throughout history to justify the systematic destruction of one particular ethnic groupdestruction of one particular ethnic group

Usually happens in area where cultural imperialism is Usually happens in area where cultural imperialism is occuring or has historically occurred!occuring or has historically occurred!

Defined: process in which a racial or ethnic group Defined: process in which a racial or ethnic group attempts to expel from a territory another racial or attempts to expel from a territory another racial or ethnic groupethnic group

When ethnic cleansing is taken one step further it When ethnic cleansing is taken one step further it becomes genocide (when a racial or ethnic group tries becomes genocide (when a racial or ethnic group tries to kill another racial or ethnic group)to kill another racial or ethnic group)

Examples:Examples:– Slobodan Milosevic in the former YugoslaviaSlobodan Milosevic in the former Yugoslavia– Hitler and the JewsHitler and the Jews– Darfur region of SudanDarfur region of Sudan

Cultural HearthsCultural Hearths

Defined: areas where innovations in Defined: areas where innovations in culture began, such as where culture began, such as where agriculture, government and agriculture, government and urbanization originatedurbanization originated

Considered the sources of human Considered the sources of human civilizationcivilization

Independent innovation: where hearths Independent innovation: where hearths invent innovations without knowing invent innovations without knowing about each otherabout each other– Example: agriculture developing in Example: agriculture developing in

Mesopotamia and East Asia at same timeMesopotamia and East Asia at same time

Locations of cultural Locations of cultural hearthshearths

List of accepted cultural List of accepted cultural hearthshearths

Andean American: eastward direction through Andean American: eastward direction through South AmericaSouth America

Mesoamerica: eastern and western North AmericaMesoamerica: eastern and western North America West Africa: throughout AfricaWest Africa: throughout Africa Nile River Valley: throughout Africa and SW AsiaNile River Valley: throughout Africa and SW Asia Mesopotamia: throughout SW Asia, Europe, Mesopotamia: throughout SW Asia, Europe,

Central and East Asia, West AfricaCentral and East Asia, West Africa Indus River Valley: SW, Central and East AsiaIndus River Valley: SW, Central and East Asia Ganges River delta: South, SE and SW AsiaGanges River delta: South, SE and SW Asia Wei and Huang rivers (China): East and SE AsiaWei and Huang rivers (China): East and SE Asia

LanguageLanguage

LanguageLanguage

Combined with religion, language creates the Combined with religion, language creates the fundamental components in cultural identityfundamental components in cultural identity

Language is culture trait that is learned and Language is culture trait that is learned and passed on from one generation to anotherpassed on from one generation to another

Estimates are language emerged nearly 2.5 Estimates are language emerged nearly 2.5 million years agomillion years ago

Language divergence: when speakers of the Language divergence: when speakers of the same language scatter and develop same language scatter and develop variations of that original form of the variations of that original form of the language to meet needs for new language to meet needs for new surroundingssurroundings– Example: original language may not have had word Example: original language may not have had word

for iceberg because they never saw onefor iceberg because they never saw one

Language, cont.Language, cont.

Language replacement: when invaders replace Language replacement: when invaders replace the language of those they conquerthe language of those they conquer

Replacement can lead to language extinction Replacement can lead to language extinction (when a language is no longer used by people (when a language is no longer used by people in the world)in the world)

Geographers trace language diffusion paths Geographers trace language diffusion paths through reverse reconstructionthrough reverse reconstruction– If two languages share a common word for an extinct If two languages share a common word for an extinct

animal that no longer existsanimal that no longer exists– That animal only existed in one of the many places That animal only existed in one of the many places

where the two languages are now spokenwhere the two languages are now spoken– Then one possible conclusion is that the language Then one possible conclusion is that the language

diffused from the place where the extinct animal diffused from the place where the extinct animal once existed and speakers carried the word for that once existed and speakers carried the word for that animal with themanimal with them

Language TreeLanguage Tree

Developed by Geographers to Developed by Geographers to organize languages and is divided organize languages and is divided into the following hierarchyinto the following hierarchy– 19 language families19 language families

Each family has its own branchesEach family has its own branches– Each branch has its own groupsEach branch has its own groups

Each group has its own languageEach group has its own language each language has its own dialectseach language has its own dialects

Major Language Major Language FamiliesFamilies Indo-European: 430 languages spoken by Indo-European: 430 languages spoken by

44.78% of the world44.78% of the world Sino-Tibetan: 399 languages spoken by Sino-Tibetan: 399 languages spoken by

22.28% of world22.28% of world Niger-Congo: 1,495 languages spoken by Niger-Congo: 1,495 languages spoken by

6.26% of world6.26% of world Afro-Asiatic: 353 languages spoken by 5.93% Afro-Asiatic: 353 languages spoken by 5.93%

of worldof world Austronesian: 1,246 languages spoken by Austronesian: 1,246 languages spoken by

5.45% of world5.45% of world Dravidian: 73 languages spoken by 3.87% of Dravidian: 73 languages spoken by 3.87% of

worlds worlds

Confusion Alert! Confusion Alert!

There is no clear consensus on what exactly There is no clear consensus on what exactly is and is not a family.is and is not a family.– Some people want to put it as the highest level Some people want to put it as the highest level

(the 19 language families)(the 19 language families)– Others use it to mean smaller groups (Germanic Others use it to mean smaller groups (Germanic

Family)Family)

Indo-European HearthIndo-European Hearth

About 50% of all people speak an Indo-About 50% of all people speak an Indo-European language, most prominent is European language, most prominent is EnglishEnglish

Location of this hearth is speculativeLocation of this hearth is speculative Conquest theory says it began in empire-Conquest theory says it began in empire-

building Kurgan culture located in steppe building Kurgan culture located in steppe region of Russia, north of the Caspian Searegion of Russia, north of the Caspian Sea

Agricultural theory says it started in farming Agricultural theory says it started in farming community in Danube River regioncommunity in Danube River region

Either way, it is believed to have settled Either way, it is believed to have settled between 6000 and 4500 BCEbetween 6000 and 4500 BCE

Monolingual and Monolingual and Multilingual StatesMultilingual States Language can tie a state together or Language can tie a state together or

create disunitycreate disunity Multilingual states: countries where Multilingual states: countries where

more than one language is spokenmore than one language is spoken– Can cause conflict over language and ties Can cause conflict over language and ties

to national identity and powerto national identity and power Monolingual states: contain speakers Monolingual states: contain speakers

of only one languageof only one language– Very difficult to find in world of Very difficult to find in world of

globalization but some countries fighting globalization but some countries fighting to keep monolingual status like Franceto keep monolingual status like France

Multilingual Conflict Multilingual Conflict ExamplesExamples Canada: English vs. FrenchCanada: English vs. French

– Quebec (French speaking) want recognition and power Quebec (French speaking) want recognition and power against English majorityagainst English majority

– Some have called for secession from CanadaSome have called for secession from Canada Belgium: Dutch vs. FrenchBelgium: Dutch vs. French

– Dutch speaking North, French speaking south competing Dutch speaking North, French speaking south competing for control over governmentfor control over government

Cyprus: Greek vs. TurkishCyprus: Greek vs. Turkish– Greek majority and Turkish minority compete for control Greek majority and Turkish minority compete for control

of islandof island– Currently divided by “green-line” partition separating the Currently divided by “green-line” partition separating the

two culturestwo cultures Nigeria: Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo and 230 other languagesNigeria: Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo and 230 other languages

– Hausa in north, Yoruba in SW and Ibo in SE divide Nigeria Hausa in north, Yoruba in SW and Ibo in SE divide Nigeria with 230 other languages adding complications for unitywith 230 other languages adding complications for unity

– English is official language in attempt to create common English is official language in attempt to create common communicationcommunication

Multilingual State: Multilingual State: NigeriaNigeria

Official and Standard Official and Standard LanguagesLanguages Official language: declared by leaders of Official language: declared by leaders of

country to be the language used in legal and country to be the language used in legal and governmental proceedingsgovernmental proceedings– Usually it is language of majorityUsually it is language of majority– Can have more than one official languageCan have more than one official language– Examples: Nigeria and English, Canada and French Examples: Nigeria and English, Canada and French

and Englishand English Standard language: acceptable form of a given Standard language: acceptable form of a given

language as declared by political or societal language as declared by political or societal leadersleaders– Example: Britain teaches British Received Example: Britain teaches British Received

Pronunciation English in schools instead of American Pronunciation English in schools instead of American EnglishEnglish

Last of Language StuffLast of Language Stuff

Lingua Franca: language used to Lingua Franca: language used to facilitate tradefacilitate trade– Example: In Africa where many native Example: In Africa where many native

languages are spoken, business uses languages are spoken, business uses English or FrenchEnglish or French

Pidgin: a simplified version of a Pidgin: a simplified version of a languagelanguage

Creole: a language that is mixed from a Creole: a language that is mixed from a group of colonizers and the people they group of colonizers and the people they colonizecolonize

ToponymsToponyms

Defined: place names that reflect Defined: place names that reflect cultural identity and impact the cultural cultural identity and impact the cultural landscapelandscape

These can tell us what cultures valueThese can tell us what cultures value Examples:Examples:

– Controversy in India over renaming the city Controversy in India over renaming the city of Bombay to Mumbai-English had named it of Bombay to Mumbai-English had named it Bombay but Mumbai relates to an Hindu GodBombay but Mumbai relates to an Hindu God

– St. Petersburg in Russia named by Peter the St. Petersburg in Russia named by Peter the GreatGreat

– Paradise, CaliforniaParadise, California– Hell, MichiganHell, Michigan

Cultural Identities Cultural Identities and Landscapesand Landscapes

Looking closely at what Looking closely at what defines culturedefines culture

ReligionReligion

Religion defined: a set of beliefs and Religion defined: a set of beliefs and activities that are created to help activities that are created to help humans celebrate and understand their humans celebrate and understand their place in the worldplace in the world

Religions help define right and wrong Religions help define right and wrong within a culturewithin a culture

Can have profound impact on human Can have profound impact on human interaction with the environment interaction with the environment through architecture, ideas about land, through architecture, ideas about land, etcetc

Religion is the single largest determiner Religion is the single largest determiner of culture!of culture!

2 religious 2 religious classificationsclassifications Universalizing vs. EthnicUniversalizing vs. Ethnic

– Universalizing: try to have universal appeal and Universalizing: try to have universal appeal and attract all people to their beliefsattract all people to their beliefs

Example: Christianity, IslamExample: Christianity, Islam– Ethnic: attempt to appeal not to all people but to Ethnic: attempt to appeal not to all people but to

one group, usually in one place or of one ethnicityone group, usually in one place or of one ethnicity Example: Hinduism, JudaismExample: Hinduism, Judaism

Polytheistic vs. MonotheisticPolytheistic vs. Monotheistic– Polytheistic: belief in many supreme beingsPolytheistic: belief in many supreme beings

Example: Hinduism, maybe BuddhismExample: Hinduism, maybe Buddhism– Monotheistic: belief in one supreme beingMonotheistic: belief in one supreme being

Example: Christianity, Islam, JudaismExample: Christianity, Islam, Judaism

World Religious World Religious RegionsRegions

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

Developed before the major Developed before the major universalizing religionsuniversalizing religions

Largest are Hinduism and Judaism Largest are Hinduism and Judaism East Asian ethnic religions have East Asian ethnic religions have

many branches/sectsmany branches/sects

HinduismHinduism

Origins: has more than 900 million adherents, Origins: has more than 900 million adherents, mostly living in Indiamostly living in India– Evolved in Indo-Gangetic Heart in about 2000 BCEEvolved in Indo-Gangetic Heart in about 2000 BCE– Oldest religion on earthOldest religion on earth– Has many sacred texts including the Vedas and the Has many sacred texts including the Vedas and the

Baghavad GitaBaghavad Gita Diffusion Route: spread from Indo-Gangetic Diffusion Route: spread from Indo-Gangetic

Hearth eastward via the Ganges and south Hearth eastward via the Ganges and south through Indiathrough India– Blended with other faithsBlended with other faiths– Never really left India and is closely tied to Indian Never really left India and is closely tied to Indian

cultureculture Primary Branches: no real formal branches existPrimary Branches: no real formal branches exist

– Can be considered both monotheistic and polytheisticCan be considered both monotheistic and polytheistic

Basic BeliefsBasic Beliefs

Reincarnation: continue through cycle until reaching Reincarnation: continue through cycle until reaching enlightenmentenlightenment

Karma: universal law of justiceKarma: universal law of justice Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and ShivaTrinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

– Brahma: creator of the worldBrahma: creator of the world– Vishnu: he loves youVishnu: he loves you– Shiva: god of duality, both destroyer and fertilityShiva: god of duality, both destroyer and fertility– Ganesh(a): remover of obstacles-NOT part of the TrinityGanesh(a): remover of obstacles-NOT part of the Trinity

Caste system: social hierarchy based on KarmaCaste system: social hierarchy based on Karma– Brahmans: educated elite, priestsBrahmans: educated elite, priests– Kshatryas: military classKshatryas: military class– Vaisyas: merchants and farmersVaisyas: merchants and farmers– Sudras: peasantsSudras: peasants– Untouchables: truly “untouchable”Untouchables: truly “untouchable”

Cultural Landscape Cultural Landscape FeaturesFeatures

Ganges river holy to bathe inGanges river holy to bathe in Temples frequently have food as offerings to GodsTemples frequently have food as offerings to Gods Cremation of dead most commonCremation of dead most common

Hindu GodsHindu Gods

JudaismJudaism

Origins: oldest monotheistic religion on earth Origins: oldest monotheistic religion on earth created 2000 BCE in Semitic Hearthcreated 2000 BCE in Semitic Hearth– Grew out of tribal belief of Jews whose headquarters Grew out of tribal belief of Jews whose headquarters

became Jerusalem became Jerusalem – Abraham is considered founder and root of religionsAbraham is considered founder and root of religions– Sacred text is Torah (Biblical Stories) and Talmud Sacred text is Torah (Biblical Stories) and Talmud

(rabbinical and historical teachings)(rabbinical and historical teachings) Diffusion route: After Rome destroyed Diffusion route: After Rome destroyed

Jerusalem, Jews were scatter throughout world Jerusalem, Jews were scatter throughout world in Diaspora (a scattering of any ethnic group)in Diaspora (a scattering of any ethnic group)– Jews scattered into central Europe and toward Jews scattered into central Europe and toward

Iberian PeninsulaIberian Peninsula– Currently about 18 million Jews world wide with Currently about 18 million Jews world wide with

many living in Israelmany living in Israel– 66% of Jews live in the U.S. and Israel (created in 66% of Jews live in the U.S. and Israel (created in

1948 as homeland for Jews)1948 as homeland for Jews)

Basic BeliefsBasic Beliefs

There is one God, JehovahThere is one God, Jehovah There will be a Messiah or SaviorThere will be a Messiah or Savior 10 commandments10 commandments Kosher: dietary law based in Old TestamentKosher: dietary law based in Old Testament Primary BranchesPrimary Branches

– Orthodox: seeks to retain the original traditions of Orthodox: seeks to retain the original traditions of the faiththe faith

– Reform: developed in 1800s attempting to adjust Reform: developed in 1800s attempting to adjust the religion to fit more modern timesthe religion to fit more modern times

– Conservative: most recent branch, more moderate Conservative: most recent branch, more moderate approach to the religion than either Reform or approach to the religion than either Reform or OrthodoxOrthodox

Cultural Landscape Cultural Landscape FeaturesFeatures

Synagogue: house of worship and community gatheringSynagogue: house of worship and community gathering– All have an ark housing the TorahAll have an ark housing the Torah

Western Wall in Jerusalem, believed to be western side Western Wall in Jerusalem, believed to be western side of Temple Mount complex that was destroyedof Temple Mount complex that was destroyed

Six-pointed starSix-pointed star

East Asia ReligionsEast Asia Religions Shintoism: syncretic, ethnic religion blending Buddhism Shintoism: syncretic, ethnic religion blending Buddhism

with Japanese local religionswith Japanese local religions– About 118 million adherentsAbout 118 million adherents– Ancestor worship and BuddhismAncestor worship and Buddhism

Taoism (Daoism): Chinese idea based on philosopher Lao Taoism (Daoism): Chinese idea based on philosopher Lao Tzu who lived about 6Tzu who lived about 6thth century BCE century BCE – Teaches people should live in harmony with nature in all Teaches people should live in harmony with nature in all

aspects of their livesaspects of their lives– Created feng shui the practice of organizing living spaces in Created feng shui the practice of organizing living spaces in

harmonious waysharmonious ways Confucianism: Chinese philosopher who lived around the Confucianism: Chinese philosopher who lived around the

same time as Laozisame time as Laozi– Teachers a system of morals and way of life for Chinese in Teachers a system of morals and way of life for Chinese in

areas like government, education, religion and philosphyareas like government, education, religion and philosphy– Focuses more on worldly life rather than idea of heaven and Focuses more on worldly life rather than idea of heaven and

hellhell– Both spread to Korean Peninsula, Japan, SE Asia, North Both spread to Korean Peninsula, Japan, SE Asia, North

American and EuropeAmerican and Europe– Together estimated 263 million followersTogether estimated 263 million followers

Shamanism and Shamanism and AnimismAnimismShamanism: term given to any ethnic religion Shamanism: term given to any ethnic religion

in which community follows its Shaman, or in which community follows its Shaman, or religious leader, healer and truth knowerreligious leader, healer and truth knower

Historically found in North America, SE Historically found in North America, SE

Asia and East AsiaAsia and East Asia

Animism: belief that objects such as trees, Animism: belief that objects such as trees, mountains and rivers have spirits in themmountains and rivers have spirits in them

Taught by some ShamansTaught by some Shamans

Universalizing Universalizing ReligionsReligions Followed by about 60% of worlds populationFollowed by about 60% of worlds population Can be broken down into branches, Can be broken down into branches,

denominations and sectsdenominations and sects– Branches: large fundamental divisions with in a Branches: large fundamental divisions with in a

religionreligion Example: Catholicism and ProtestantismExample: Catholicism and Protestantism

– Denominations: groups of common congregations Denominations: groups of common congregations within a branchwithin a branch

Example: Anglicans and EpiscopaliansExample: Anglicans and Episcopalians– Sects: smaller groups that have broken away from Sects: smaller groups that have broken away from

recognized denomination within a branchrecognized denomination within a branch Example: Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Example: Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day SaintsLatter-day Saints Examples include: Buddhism, Christianity, Examples include: Buddhism, Christianity,

Islam and SikhismIslam and Sikhism

BuddhismBuddhism

Origins: worlds first universalizing Origins: worlds first universalizing religionreligion– Developed out of Hinduism and caste systemDeveloped out of Hinduism and caste system– Founded in India near Indo-Gangetic Hearth Founded in India near Indo-Gangetic Hearth

between Indus and Ganges rivers by Prince between Indus and Ganges rivers by Prince Siddhartha Gautama born in 644 BCESiddhartha Gautama born in 644 BCE

Diffusion Routes: started in India, spread Diffusion Routes: started in India, spread to China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia to China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia and Southeast Asia along Silk Roadand Southeast Asia along Silk Road– Now nearly extinct in India Now nearly extinct in India – Nearly 350 million followers world wideNearly 350 million followers world wide

Basic Beliefs of Basic Beliefs of BuddhismBuddhism 4 noble truths4 noble truths

– Life is suffering and inherently painfulLife is suffering and inherently painful– Suffering has a cause: craving and attachment Suffering has a cause: craving and attachment

(selfishness)(selfishness)– Craving and attachment can be overcomeCraving and attachment can be overcome– By following the eightfold pathBy following the eightfold path

Eightfold pathEightfold path– Right Concentration, Right Purpose, Right Speech, Right Concentration, Right Purpose, Right Speech,

Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Alertness, Right UnderstandingAlertness, Right Understanding

Reincarnation: humans cycle through until Reincarnation: humans cycle through until reaching enlightenmentreaching enlightenment

Karma: Universal law of justiceKarma: Universal law of justice

Branches of BuddhismBranches of Buddhism

Theravada: monastic, practiced by nearly 55% of all Theravada: monastic, practiced by nearly 55% of all BuddhistsBuddhists– Found mainly in SE Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Found mainly in SE Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar,

Thailand, Laos and CambodiaThailand, Laos and Cambodia Mahayana: do not spend time as monks but find Mahayana: do not spend time as monks but find

salvation (enlightenment) through meditation and prayersalvation (enlightenment) through meditation and prayer– Practiced by 40% of Buddhists and found primarily in Korea, Practiced by 40% of Buddhists and found primarily in Korea,

Vietnam, Japan and ChinaVietnam, Japan and China Lamaism in Tibet: combines monasticism of Theravada Lamaism in Tibet: combines monasticism of Theravada

with local images of deities and demons-practiced only with local images of deities and demons-practiced only by about 5% of Buddhistsby about 5% of Buddhists– Leader is Dalai Lama who has been exiled from Tibet by Leader is Dalai Lama who has been exiled from Tibet by

Chinese governmentChinese government Zen: exists primarily in Japan but growing in popularity in Zen: exists primarily in Japan but growing in popularity in

U.S.U.S.– Believes in original mindBelieves in original mind

Cultural Landscape Cultural Landscape FeaturesFeatures

Most famous structure is pagoda which is Most famous structure is pagoda which is made to look like ancient burial mound made to look like ancient burial mound shapesshapes

Bodhi tree in India where Buddha reached Bodhi tree in India where Buddha reached enlightenment while meditating under itenlightenment while meditating under it

ChristianityChristianity

Origins: second universalizing religion to Origins: second universalizing religion to develop as offshoot of Judaism when Jesus develop as offshoot of Judaism when Jesus Christ was seen as expected Messiah by Christ was seen as expected Messiah by disciplesdisciples

Hearth: near modern day IsraelHearth: near modern day Israel Diffusion Route: used both expansion and Diffusion Route: used both expansion and

relocation diffusion from Palestine, has nearly 2 relocation diffusion from Palestine, has nearly 2 billion adherentsbillion adherents– 312 CE Roman Empire adopted Christianity as official 312 CE Roman Empire adopted Christianity as official

religionreligion– 1515thth Century colonization efforts of Europeans spread Century colonization efforts of Europeans spread

it as wellit as well– Today nearly 90% of Western Hemisphere is ChristianToday nearly 90% of Western Hemisphere is Christian

Basic BeliefsBasic Beliefs

Jesus Christ is the Son of GodJesus Christ is the Son of God Bible is sacred textBible is sacred text Belief of love, forgiveness and Belief of love, forgiveness and

repentancerepentance Some branches/sects accept Some branches/sects accept

prophets, some do notprophets, some do not All believe in personal God who is All believe in personal God who is

unchangingunchanging

Branches of Branches of ChristianityChristianity Roman Catholics: largest and original piece of Roman Catholics: largest and original piece of

Christianity with nearly 830 million adherentsChristianity with nearly 830 million adherents– Hierarchical religion because of well defined organization Hierarchical religion because of well defined organization

with Pope at topwith Pope at top– No real divisionsNo real divisions– Headquartered in Vatican City in Rome, ItalyHeadquartered in Vatican City in Rome, Italy

Protestant Christians: nearly 503 million adherents, Protestant Christians: nearly 503 million adherents, broken into denominationsbroken into denominations– Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal and Lutheran are largest Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal and Lutheran are largest

denominationsdenominations– Began in 15Began in 15thth Century with Protestant Reformation Century with Protestant Reformation

Eastern Orthodoxy: developed in 1054 when Roman Eastern Orthodoxy: developed in 1054 when Roman Catholic Church splitCatholic Church split– Collection of 14 self-governing churches, largest being Collection of 14 self-governing churches, largest being

Russian OrthodoxRussian Orthodox– Has nearly 192 million adherents and is rooted in Has nearly 192 million adherents and is rooted in

ConstantinopleConstantinople

Cultural Landscape Cultural Landscape FeaturesFeatures

Varied landscape Varied landscape reflects varied reflects varied history history

Catholicism has Catholicism has Cathedrals in Cathedrals in almost every cityalmost every city

Protestantism is Protestantism is usually simple, usually simple, wood, plain wood, plain churcheschurches

IslamIslam

Origins: was 3Origins: was 3rdrd Universalizing religion to Universalizing religion to develop, originated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia develop, originated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia around 600 CEaround 600 CE– Last prophet was Muhammad, has nearly 1.2 billion Last prophet was Muhammad, has nearly 1.2 billion

adherentsadherents– Is 2Is 2ndnd largest but fastest growing religion on earth largest but fastest growing religion on earth– It is monotheistic and sacred text is the KoranIt is monotheistic and sacred text is the Koran

Diffusion Route: diffused through Diffusion Route: diffused through Mohammed’s followers who organized armies Mohammed’s followers who organized armies through Africa, Europe and Asiathrough Africa, Europe and Asia– Successful diffusion led to Crusades by Europeans to Successful diffusion led to Crusades by Europeans to

“take back” and “save” lands that had been “take back” and “save” lands that had been conquered by Muslimsconquered by Muslims

Basic BeliefsBasic Beliefs

5 pillars of Islam5 pillars of Islam Faith: accepting Allah as the only God, Faith: accepting Allah as the only God,

Mohammad as his final prophet and the Qur'an Mohammad as his final prophet and the Qur'an as Allah’s wordsas Allah’s words

Prayer: pray 5 times a day, facing MeccaPrayer: pray 5 times a day, facing Mecca Fasting: during month of Ramadan in memory Fasting: during month of Ramadan in memory

of Mohammad’s first visionof Mohammad’s first vision Almsgiving: a.k.a. Zukat, giving of money to Almsgiving: a.k.a. Zukat, giving of money to

care for the less fortunate; about 2 ½% of care for the less fortunate; about 2 ½% of one’s income and can be public or privateone’s income and can be public or private

Hajj: a.k.a. pilgrimage-once in a lifetime trip to Hajj: a.k.a. pilgrimage-once in a lifetime trip to MeccaMecca

Primary BranchesPrimary Branches

Sunni: means orthodoxSunni: means orthodox– About 85% of Muslims practice thisAbout 85% of Muslims practice this– Dominate in Arab-speaking areas of Bangladesh Dominate in Arab-speaking areas of Bangladesh

and Pakistanand Pakistan– Believe Sunni Caliphs (religious emperors) in the Believe Sunni Caliphs (religious emperors) in the

Umayyad Dynasty were not descendants of Umayyad Dynasty were not descendants of Muhammad, nor were Ottoman emperorsMuhammad, nor were Ottoman emperors

Shi’ite: majority in Iran and IraqShi’ite: majority in Iran and Iraq– Account for nearly 15% of adherentsAccount for nearly 15% of adherents– Shia believe descendants of Ali were acceptable Shia believe descendants of Ali were acceptable

authorities in Islamauthorities in Islam Sufi: less than 3% of MuslimsSufi: less than 3% of Muslims

– Mystical sect Mystical sect – Example: Twirling DurbishesExample: Twirling Durbishes

Cultural Landscape Cultural Landscape FeaturesFeatures

Mosque: center of Muslim worship, typically has Mosque: center of Muslim worship, typically has four minarets or towers used to called worshippers four minarets or towers used to called worshippers

No depiction of human or animal formNo depiction of human or animal form MeccaMecca

Largest World Largest World Religious BodiesReligious Bodies Catholic ChurchCatholic Church 1,100,000,0001,100,000,000 Sunni IslamSunni Islam 875,000,000875,000,000 Eastern OrthodoxEastern Orthodox 225,000,000225,000,000 AnglicanAnglican 77,000,00077,000,000 Assemblies of GodAssemblies of God 50,000,00050,000,000 Seventh-day AdventistsSeventh-day Adventists 16,811,51916,811,519 Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s Witnesses 16,500,00016,500,000 LDS ChurchLDS Church 12,275,82212,275,822 New Apostolic ChurchNew Apostolic Church 10,260,00010,260,000 AhmadiyyaAhmadiyya 10,000,00010,000,000 Bahai Bahai 6,000,0006,000,000

Secularism and Secularism and TheocracyTheocracy 4 billion people world wide believe in 4 billion people world wide believe in

some religion or faithsome religion or faith Millions of people have accepted Millions of people have accepted

secularism instead of religionsecularism instead of religion Secularism: movement away from Secularism: movement away from

control of life by religioncontrol of life by religion Other countries have accepted a Other countries have accepted a

theocracy theocracy Theocracy: government run by religionTheocracy: government run by religion

Religion and ConflictReligion and Conflict

Throughout history, humans have fought Throughout history, humans have fought over territory thought to be sacredover territory thought to be sacred

Interfaith boundaries: divide space Interfaith boundaries: divide space between two or more religionsbetween two or more religions

Intrafaith boundaries: divide space within Intrafaith boundaries: divide space within one religion, often among denominationsone religion, often among denominations

Boundaries can lead to conflict that is Boundaries can lead to conflict that is often very passionate and violentoften very passionate and violent

Examples of Interfaith Examples of Interfaith BoundariesBoundaries China and Tibet: between Tibetan Buddhism China and Tibet: between Tibetan Buddhism

and Atheismand Atheism Nigeria: between Islam and ChristianityNigeria: between Islam and Christianity India: between Hinduism and Sikhism in NW India: between Hinduism and Sikhism in NW

state of Punjab, Sikhist government wants state of Punjab, Sikhist government wants autonomy from Hindu Indian governmentautonomy from Hindu Indian government

India and Pakistan: between Islam and India and Pakistan: between Islam and HinduismHinduism

Former Yugoslavia: between Christianity and Former Yugoslavia: between Christianity and IslamIslam

Israel: between Judaism and IslamIsrael: between Judaism and Islam

Examples of Intrafaith Examples of Intrafaith BoundariesBoundaries Iraq: Sunni and Shia IslamIraq: Sunni and Shia Islam United States: Christian United States: Christian

fundamentalism and moderate, fundamentalism and moderate, liberal Christianityliberal Christianity

Northern Ireland: Protestant Northern Ireland: Protestant Christians and Roman CatholicsChristians and Roman Catholics