Understanding others makes possible a better knowledge of oneself: any form of identity is complex, for individuals are defined in relation to other people – both individually and collectively – and the various groups to which they show allegiance, in a constantly shifting pattern. – UNESCO (1996) ‘Learning: The Treasure Within’
Culture is a term that is highly complex and often contested with academics recording about 160 variations in meaning1. Underpinning the notion of culture is that it is dynamic and changes over time and in different contexts resulting in many people today identifying with one or more cultures and many different groups.
Professor Greg Noble from the University of Western Sydney discusses the complexity of the term in the video below.
Culture is a defining feature of a person’s identity, contributing to how they see themselves and the groups with which they identify. A person’s understanding of their own and other’s identities develops from birth and is shaped by the values and attitudes prevalent at home and in the surrounding community.
Professor Greg Noble from the University of Western Sydney discusses the relationship between culture, ethnicity and identity In the video below,
1 Kroeber, A. L. and C. Kluckhohn, 1952. Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions.
Professor Greg Noble, University of Western Sydney discuses Culture, ethnicity and identity