Kultury

Kultury, the Polish term for culture, refers to the integrated system of shared beliefs, values, norms, knowledge, symbols, meanings, practices and material artifacts that characterize a group or society. It includes both material aspects such as tools, technology, architecture, and cuisine, and immaterial aspects such as language, religion, ritual, social roles, and aesthetics. Culture is learned through socialization and education, not inherited genetically, and it changes over time through interaction with other groups and internal developments.

Cultural variation occurs across societies and within them: subcultures may share broad cultural features while maintaining distinctive styles and practices. Culture is transmitted via family, education, media, religion, and institutions, and it provides identity, belonging, and a framework for interpreting the world. It also guides everyday behavior through norms and expectations.

Globalization, migration, and technological change intensify cultural contact, leading to diffusion, hybridity, and sometimes friction between preservation and adaptation. The study of culture spans disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and psychology, employing methods from ethnography to quantitative surveys.

Key concepts associated with kultury include cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, cultural capital, and high- versus low-context communication. Cultural heritage—intangible practices, arts, rituals, and knowledge—receives international attention and protection through agreements and organizations, including UNESCO.