<p>Handout 3a: Culture, elaborated some more</p><p>1. Culture = powerful, often unconscious, assumptions and expectations of the right, reasonable and proper. It is a system of ideas through which we interpret reality and shape behavior. (We often become aware of these assumptions and expectations only when they are violated.)</p><p>2. According to Clifford Geertz, culture is comprised of: </p><p> a. Models of reality = What is the difference between a wink, a tick, and a parody of wink or tick ?; </p><p> b. Models for action/behavior = How should I communicate a private understanding? (as in demonstrating fondness on Valentine’s day).</p><p>3. Culture:</p><p> a. Creates assumptions: what is food;</p><p> b. Shapes expectations: what will be on your plate;</p><p> c. Generates action: what to purchase at the supermarket.</p>