Anthropologist George Murdock’s Discoveries on Cultural Universals
Anthropologist George Murdock made significant contributions to the field of sociology through his study of cultural universals. Cultural universals are patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies, and they provide valuable insights into the shared aspects of human culture. In this article, we will explore the key discoveries made by George Murdock in his research on cultural universals.
Discovery of Cultural Universals
George Murdock’s research revealed that cultural universals are formed from shared experiences and survival needs. These universal patterns or traits can be found across different societies, regardless of their specific cultural practices. Murdock’s findings emphasized the existence of commonalities among diverse cultures and shed light on the fundamental aspects of human society.
The Family as a Universal Social Institution
One of George Murdock’s notable findings was his hypothesis that the family unit is a universal social institution. Based on his extensive study of 250 different societies, Murdock concluded that the family is a fundamental institution found in all human cultures. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the definition and functioning of the family unit may vary across cultures. Despite these variations, the presence of the family as a social institution remains consistent.
Basic Human Survival and Shared Experiences
Murdock’s research highlighted that cultural universals often revolve around basic human survival needs. These needs include finding food, clothing, and shelter, which are essential for the sustenance and well-being of individuals in any society. Moreover, shared human experiences like birth, death, illness, and healing also contribute to the formation of cultural universals. These universal aspects of human existence transcend cultural boundaries and unite societies through shared experiences.
Other Cultural Universals
In addition to the family unit, George Murdock identified several other cultural universals in his research. Language, for instance, emerged as a universal feature of human societies. While languages may differ in their specific forms and structures, the presence of language as a means of communication is universal across cultures.
Murdock also observed that the concept of personal names is universally recognized. Personal names serve as a way to identify and distinguish individuals within a society, regardless of cultural context. Moreover, humor was identified as a cultural universal. Humor acts as a universal mechanism to release tensions and create a sense of unity among people, regardless of cultural differences.
Conclusion
George Murdock’s research on cultural universals has provided valuable insights into the fundamental aspects of human culture. His discoveries have demonstrated that certain patterns and traits are shared across societies, highlighting the existence of commonalities among diverse cultures. The universality of the family unit, language, personal names, and humor serves as a testament to the shared experiences and basic human survival needs that shape cultural universals.
Sources:
- Study.com. (n.d.). George Murdock’s Sociology Theories on Family & Culture. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/george-murdocks-sociology-theories-on-family-culture-lesson-quiz.html
- Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Introduction to Sociology. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/chapter/examining-culture/
- OpenEd CUNY. (n.d.). Introduction to Sociology 2e, Culture, What Is Culture? Retrieved from https://opened.cuny.edu/courseware/lesson/123/student/?section=2
FAQs
What are cultural universals?
Cultural universals are patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies, representing shared aspects of human culture.
What did George Murdock discover about cultural universals?
George Murdock discovered that cultural universals are formed from shared experiences and survival needs, and they exist across diverse societies.
What did George Murdock conclude about the family as a social institution?
Based on his research, George Murdock concluded that the family unit is a universal social institution present in all human cultures, although its definition and functioning may vary.
What role do basic human survival needs play in cultural universals?
Murdock found that cultural universals often revolve around basic human survival needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, which are fundamental to all societies.
What other cultural universals did George Murdock identify?
In addition to the family unit, George Murdock identified other cultural universals including language, the concept of personal names, and humor as a universal way to release tensions and create unity among people.
How do cultural universals contribute to the understanding of human culture?
Cultural universals provide insights into the commonalities shared among diverse cultures, highlighting fundamental aspects of human society and the ways in which people across societies meet common needs and experiences.