Answer:
The first two assumptions of culture are that it is learned and shared. These two assumptions are crucial to understanding the nature of culture and how it operates in societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture is learned: Culture is not innate or genetically inherited, but rather acquired through socialization and education. People learn the norms, values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs of their society through interaction with family, peers, schools, media, and other social institutions. For example, children learn language, dress codes, and manners from their parents and peers, while students learn academic knowledge and skills from their teachers and textbooks.
Culture is shared: Culture is not the property of individuals but a collective phenomenon that is shared and transmitted across generations. Members of a society share a common culture that shapes their identity, worldview, and social relations. They participate in cultural practices, rituals, and symbols that reinforce their sense of belonging and social cohesion. For instance, people in different countries share national symbols, such as flags, anthems, and monuments, as well as cultural traditions, such as festivals, food, and music.
The two assumptions of culture are interrelated and interdependent. Learning culture requires social interaction with others who already possess cultural knowledge, and sharing culture reinforces the continuity and stability of cultural practices over time. People learn cultural norms and values by observing and imitating the behavior of others, and they conform to cultural expectations in order to gain social approval and avoid sanctions. At the same time, people actively participate in creating and modifying cultural practices through their agency and creativity, and they negotiate cultural meanings and identities in response to social change and diversity.
In conclusion, the assumptions that culture is learned and shared provide a foundation for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of human societies. By recognizing that culture is a product of socialization and collective participation, we can appreciate the diversity and richness of cultural expressions, as well as the challenges and opportunities of cultural interactions and conflicts.