Culture in Britain

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Recommended: Abstract in cultural diversity

Culture is how groups of people live in society according to their religion, custom or belief. This influences attitudes, values and behaviour. Each culture varies, having differences, such as, language, norms, values and expectations. This can be demonstrated in lots of ways, for instance, types of clothes worn, food eaten, wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Cultures normally have traditions that have been followed for centuries. For example, in Africa it is common for the groom or his family to pay the bride’s family, a bride-price, in exchange for her ‘labour and reproductive powers’ (Cardwell, 2001).

Britain consists of four countries with traditionally two languages, English and Welsh, but having many different accents from different counties. The main religion is Christianity which follows the book of the bible, the cross symbol and the belief of God and Jesus. Once a very powerful influence in Britain, it was considered sinful to not obey the church’s rules and was punishable by death. Now, however, religion is not as highly followed so rules are relaxed. Although, many sub divisions are still followed such as, Church of England or Jehovah’s Witness. Nonetheless, religion still forms the basis of many celebrations and holidays, such as, Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’s birth and Easter, the celebration of his resurrection.

Marriage, still influential by religion, as many are performed by vicars within churches. It is traditional for the couple to say vows and for the bride to wear white, a symbol of purity. She throws her bouquet to the guests as it is considered lucky if caught by a single female as believed she will be next to marry. However, many weddings are nowadays performed within registry off...

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...dhistsociety.org/about-buddhism/festivalsandcelebrations [Accessed 27 October 2013]
Buddhist Society, (no date), About Buddhism: Lay people, Available at: http://www.thebuddhistsociety.org/aboutbuddhism/laypeople
[Accessed 27 October 2013]
Cardwell, M. C. (2001). Psychology for A2 Level. London: HarperCollins Ltd.
Dharma, S. (1997). Beliefs, Values and Traditions. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.
Ganeri, A. (1997). What do we know about Buddhism. Hove: Macdonald Young Books.
Iskcon, 2004, Hinduism: Symbols, Available at http://www.hinduism.iskcon.org/lifestyle/806htm [Accessed 28 October 2013]
Lovelace, A. W. (1996). Beliefs, Values and Traditions. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.
Macdonald, F. (2005). Communities in Britain: Hindus in Britain. London: Franklin Watts.
Penny, S. (1999). Discovering religions: Buddhism Foundation Level. Oxford: Heinemann Educational.

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