**2.7. Laws**

Cultural anthropologist Kenneth Guest provided an effective and useful framework of culture when he stated "culture is a system of knowledge, beliefs, patterns of behavior, artifacts,

Culture comprises generally acceptable ways of doing things common to a people which is transmitted from generation to generation. It is a people's way of life, an embodiment of their identity.

The culture of a people includes a tremendous amount of their knowledge about their physical and social environment. This comprises a vast collection of ideas, ideologies, philosophy, science, and technology which they utilize in the attempt to understand the world they live in. These are usually of cognitive origin and basically include knowledge of how to obtain food, what to eat, how to provide shelter, recognize and treat diseases, protect the community, etc. [3].

Beliefs are generally acceptable knowledge that can neither be substantiated nor proven to be

A norm is a value or standard of behavior commonly found in a given group or society. The

These are norms that guide the methods of carrying out tasks when technical efficiency is of

These demonstrate the ways of life of people which place a priority on moral ethics. For example, people are expected to greet those who are older than them, in some African societies, the kola nut is shared and eaten before any important ceremony. However, an infringement of these regulations does not necessarily imply any serious threat to society and therefore does

Mores are also ethical regulations but unlike folkways they have significant effects on the survival of the group. Contraventions of mores therefore attract severe penalties. These infringements may come in form of incest, theft, murder, desecration of objects which carry spiritual

term is derived from the word "normal." There are four major types of social norms.

false. In various cultures, they constitute important aspects of human living.

utmost concern. For example, in transportation, horses can be used.

and institutions that are created, learned, and shared by a group of people*"* [2].

**2. Components of culture**

**2.1. Knowledge**

30 Current Issues in Global Health

**2.2. Beliefs**

**2.3. Norms**

**2.4. Techniques**

**2.5. Folkways**

**2.6. Mores**

not attract severe penalties.

significance such as items of worship.

These are norms which are formally coded and enforced by recognized authorities. They tend to include societal mores. Laws cut across all norms, and deviations from them threaten the corporate existence of the society. Thus, society empowers law enforcement agencies who act for common good.

## **2.8. Values**

These are important elements of the culture of a society which determines what principles it considers as essential to its well-being and survival. It will usually include important ideals such as freedom, justice, the rule of law, due process, and ceremonies. These ideals form a value system which guides societal life.

#### **2.9. Material life**

This is the visible, tangible component of a society's way of life. Examples include buildings, dressing, art, books, etc.
