kultura da modernizacia - Center for Social Sciences

CULTURE AND MODERNIZATION
TOPIC 1. BASIC CONCEPTS AND TERMS
Summary
Ivane Tsereteli
Ketevan Kakitelashvili
The first topic aims to interpret the basic concepts and terms, which will be used in the
framework of the course. These terms deal with the problems and description of developments,
which are connected with the process of modernization in different regions, thus in different cultural
spaces. The problems of intercultural contacts and its various forms (assimilation, confrontation,
symbiosis, synthesis, cultural conflict, cultural shock, diffusion), the role and place of tradition in the
process of modernization, problems of interconnection of tradition and modernization, the question
of identity in non-Western cultures in the light of significant changes accompanied with
modernization shall be discussed through the course.
As the process of modernization has arisen and developed on two levels, that are culture and
civilization, it is necessary to define these two phenomena. The study and analysis of these
processes should be based on these concepts.
As the phenomenon of culture is concerned, its two aspects must be mentioned:
1. Culture, as an universal determinant of humanity;
2. Culture, as the basis of differences and borders between distinct societies.
According to the first approach, culture is a result of an unique ability of Homo Sapiens –
biological and social being. This factor differs humans from other biological kinds.
Man is genetically (biologically) determined to create, reproduce and transmit culture.
Realization of these unique abilities is possible only during the social practice, in connection with
experience of preceding generations, together with the process of socialization.
Apart from this, culture is represented as a complex of values, patterns of behavior and
standards, which regulate people’s interrelations and their attitudes towards the nature and society.
Thus, culture is a complex of social heritage, providing the succession of social experience.
The second aspect of culture implies that man’s ability to create and to pass culture is realized
differently in particular societies. These differences are caused by specific conditions of
development and the history of the concrete social group. Hence, we can speak about the peculiar
models of the world, each created by separate culture.
Culture is the main characteristic, by means of which the representatives of diverse societies
differentiate themselves from others.
Thus, culture can be defined as:
• Determinant of social behavior;
• Determinant of individual knowledge and interpretations;
• Mechanism of self-identification;
• Regulator of social life;
• Translator of social experience;
• Adaptation mechanism.
111