Culture - A critical review of concepts and definitions. By A. L. Kroeber and C. Kluckhohn, with the assistance of Wayne Untereiner and appendices by Alfred G. Meyer

Description

The discovery and popularization of the concept of culture has led to a many-sided analysis of it and to the elaboration of a number of diverse theories. Since aberrants and the psychologically disturbed are often at loggerheads with their cultures, the attitude toward them and toward their treatment is bound to be influenced by the view of culture which _is accepted it is obvious that the reactions which stem from difi'erent conceptions of culture may range all the way from condemnation of the unhappy individual and confidence in the righteousness of the cultural dictate, to sharp criticism of the demanding society and great compassion for the person who has not been able to come to terms with it. (1947, 14) Introduction PART I: GENERAL HISTORY OF THE WORLD CULTURE Brief survey Civilization Relation of civilization and culture The distinction of civilization from culture in American sociology The attempted distinction in Germany Phases in the history of the concept of culture in Germany Culture as a concept of eighteenth-century general history Kant to Hegel Analysis of Klemm's use of the word "Cultur The concept of culture in Germany since 1850 "Kultur" and "Schrecklichkeit Danilevsky "Culture" in the humanities in England and elsewhere Dictionary definitions General discussion Addendum: Febvre on civilisation PART II: DEFINITIONS Introduction Group A: Descriptive Broad definitions with emphasis on enumeration of content: usually influenced by Tylor Comment Group B : Historical Emphasis on social heritage or tradition Comment Group C: Normative C-I. Emphasis on rule or way Comment C-II. Emphasis on ideals or values plus behavior Comment Group D: Psychological D-I. Emphasis on adjustment, on culture as a problem-solving device Comment D-II. Emphasis on learning Comment D-III. Emphasis on habit Comment D-IV. Purely psychological definitions Comment Group E: Structural Emphasis on the patterning or organization of culture Comment Group F: Genetic F-I. Emphasis on culture as a product or artifact Comment F-II. Emphasis on ideas Comment F-III. Emphasis on symbols Comment F-IV. Residual category definitions Comment Group G: Incomplete Definitions Comment Indexes to Definitions A: Authors B: Conceptual elements in definitions Words not included in Index B PART III: SOME STATEMENTS ABOUT CULTURE Introduction Group a: The Nature of Culture Comment Group b: The Components of Culture Comment Group c: Distinctive Properties of Culture Comment Group d: Culture and Psychology Comment Group e: Culture and Language Comment Group f: Relation of Culture to Society, Individuals, Environment and Artifacts Comment Addenda Index to Authors in Part III PART IV: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS A: Summary Word and concept Philosophy of history Use of culture in Germany Spread of the concept and resistances Culture and civilization Culture as an emergent or level Definitions of culture Before and after 1920 The place of Tylor and Wissler The course of post-1920 definitions Rank order of elements entering into post-1930 definitions Number of elements entering into single definitions Final comments on definitions Statements about culture B: General Features of Culture Integration Historicity Uniformities Causality Significance and values Values and relativity C: Conclusion A final review of the conceptual problem Review of aspects of our own position References Appendices Appendix A: Historical Notes on Ideological Aspects of the Concept of Culture in Germany and Russia, by Alfred G. Meyer Appendix B: The Use of the Term Culture in the Soviet Union, by Alfred G. Meyer Index of Names of Persons