Culture and its elements
Culture is the total way of life. A man what does and in which way does to lead his life that is his
culture. But during birth we do not own culture. That is- culture is not inherited biologically, but
learnt socially by man. It helps them generate behavior and interpret what they experience.
At its core, culture can be defined as the way of life of a group of people. It includes both
material and non-material elements. Material culture consists of physical objects, artifacts, and
spaces that people use to define their culture, such as buildings, artwork, tools, and technology.
Non-material culture, on the other hand, includes the intangible aspects of culture, such as
language, religion, values, norms, customs, traditions, and social practices.
Traditional Cultural Elements in Bangladesh
Bangladesh, a South Asian country rich in history and heritage, boasts a vibrant and diverse
culture shaped by indigenous, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences. These cultural elements
are evident in language, literature, music, dance, art, festivals, cuisine, fashion and social
customs, defining the identity of the Bangladeshi people.
Language: The Bengali language, or Bangla, is central to Bangladeshi culture, spoken by the
majority of the population. Bengali literature features contributions from notable figures like
Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, reflecting the nation's cultural heritage and identity.
Music: Traditional music in Bangladesh is rooted in folk traditions, with Baul music, Bhatiali,
Bhawaiya, and Gombhira being prominent forms. Classical music, influenced by North Indian
traditions, and dance forms like Manipuri and folk dances are integral to cultural celebrations.
Art and Craft: Bangladesh has a rich visual arts tradition, including ancient terracotta art and
modern contributions from artists like Zainul Abedin. Traditional crafts such as Nakshi Kantha,
Jamdani, and pottery showcase intricate designs and vibrant cultural expressions.
Festivals: Festivals in Bangladesh are vibrant and diverse. Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New
Year, is celebrated with processions, music, and fairs. Religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Durga
Puja, and others reflect the country's multi-religious society and cultural unity.
Foods: Bangladeshi cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, with rice and
fish as staples. Dishes like Hilsa fish curry and Bhuna Khichuri are popular, while spices and
sweets like Rasgulla and Pithas play a crucial role in festive occasions.
Fashion: Traditional Bangladeshi fashion reflects cultural identity and heritage. Women often
wear saris made from luxurious fabrics like Jamdani and silk, adorned with intricate designs.
Men traditionally wear lungis or panjabis, with more formal occasions calling for sherwanis.
Handwoven fabrics and traditional embroidery techniques highlight the craftsmanship and
cultural significance of Bangladeshi attire.
Customs: Social customs in Bangladesh emphasize respect, hospitality, and community.
Greeting elders, showing hospitality to guests, and family support are important norms.
Traditional attire like the sari and lungi, made from handwoven fabrics, reflect cultural identity.
In conclusion, the traditional cultural elements of Bangladesh encompass language, literature,
music, dance, art, festivals, cuisine, and social customs. These elements define the national
identity and cultural heritage, ensuring the preservation and celebration of Bangladesh's rich
traditions.
Cultural Lag
Cultural lag is a sociological concept that describes the period of adjustment when non-material
culture, such as values, beliefs, norms, and laws, struggles to catch up with material culture,
which includes technology and physical objects. This term, introduced by sociologist William F.
Ogburn in the early 20th century, highlights the challenges societies face as they navigate rapid
technological advancements. Cultural lag often leads to social problems and disruptions as
societies attempt to adapt to new technologies. It is crucial for policymakers, educators, and
social leaders to understand cultural lag to manage change effectively and minimize negative
consequences.
Technological advancements typically occur at a much faster pace than societal changes.
Innovations like the internet, smartphones, and medical technologies can transform everyday life,
but the social norms, regulations, and ethical considerations associated with these technologies
take longer to develop. This discrepancy creates a cultural lag, where society struggles to keep
up with the pace of technological progress.
One prominent example of cultural lag is seen in the realm of digital technology and privacy.
The rise of the internet and social media has revolutionized communication, information sharing,
and social interactions. However, privacy norms and regulations have lagged behind these
developments. The widespread collection and use of personal data by corporations and
governments have raised significant concerns about data privacy and security. While laws such
as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe represent steps toward addressing
these concerns, many countries still lack comprehensive data protection laws. This lag leaves
individuals vulnerable to privacy breaches and the misuse of personal information, highlighting
the gap between technological capabilities and societal readiness.
Cultural Hegemony
Cultural hegemony, a concept developed by Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci,
describes the dominance of one social class over others through cultural means rather than overt
political or economic control. This form of dominance operates subtly, influencing societal
norms, values, beliefs, and ideologies, thereby maintaining the status quo and legitimizing the
power of the ruling class. Unlike direct coercion, cultural hegemony is achieved through the
consensual acceptance of the dominant culture's worldview by the subordinate classes, making
alternative perspectives seem unnatural or unviable.
The mechanisms of cultural hegemony are embedded in various societal institutions, such as
education, media, religion, and popular culture. Education systems often emphasize the history
and values of the ruling class, socializing individuals into accepting the existing social order as
natural and just. Mass media plays a crucial role by disseminating the dominant ideology and
shaping public opinion, while religious institutions can reinforce traditional social roles and
hierarchies. Popular culture, through music, fashion, sports, and entertainment, subtly promotes
lifestyles and aspirations that align with the interests of the dominant class.
The implications of cultural hegemony are profound, as it serves as a tool of social control by
shaping people's beliefs and attitudes, creating a sense of consensus around the dominant
ideology. This form of control is more effective and less visible than coercive methods, as it
operates through the internalization of norms and values. By defining what is considered normal
and legitimate, cultural hegemony marginalizes alternative perspectives, making it difficult for
subordinate groups to challenge the existing power structure. This marginalization limits social
change and maintains the dominance of the ruling class, perpetuating social inequalities by
legitimizing the existing social order.
