Picture this: every community, from big cities to isolated villages, has some common habits, beliefs, or ways of life. This isn’t just a thought but a real thing called cultural universals. They’re the ties that bind us all, showing our shared moments and basic human nature.
Cultural universals are things or ideas that every culture around the world has.Some Universal Examples:
Families: No matter where you wander on this planet, one thing remains consistent: the concept of family. Whether it’s tight-knit nuclear families, sprawling extended clans, or chosen families formed by bonds of friendship, every culture cherishes the ties that bind loved ones together. These familial bonds provide support, teach values, and shape our earliest understandings of the world.
Language: Every corner of the world buzzes with the rhythm of languages. Each culture crafts its unique linguistic tapestry, rich with history, stories, and emotions. These languages, whether spoken, signed, or written, are more than just communication tools; they’re the heartbeat of a culture, carrying its traditions, memories, and essence.
Celebrations: Life is punctuated by moments of joy, transitions, and milestones. From the exuberance of birthdays and the romance of weddings to the reverence of cultural ceremonies, every society has its calendar filled with special events. These celebrations, steeped in tradition and often accompanied by unique rituals, offer a window into the values and priorities of a culture.
Right vs. Wrong: Every society operates with a moral compass, guiding its members on the paths of righteousness and ethics. These guidelines, whether rooted in ancient religious texts, cultural folklore, or societal consensus, dictate what’s acceptable and what’s frowned upon. They serve as the unwritten rules, ensuring harmony, justice, and order within communities.
Art and Tunes: The human spirit has an innate need to express, and every culture finds its voice through art and music. From the intricate dance forms that tell stories of ancestors to the melodies that have lulled generations to sleep, creativity is a universal language. It’s a reflection of a culture’s soul, its struggles, joys, and dreams, captured in color, movement, and sound.
Why it matters: By spotting these universal things, experts like anthropologists can better understand what’s naturally human. It shows that while we might have different ways of doing things, deep down, some themes are the same for all of us.
Different Takes: Even if a universal thing is found everywhere, how it looks or is done can change. For example, while every culture celebrates big life events, the way they party or the traditions they follow can be very different.
Cultural universals are like the world’s shared secrets. They connect different people and remind us of the things we all have in common. By recognizing these shared bits, we move towards a world where we understand and respect each other more.
