Difference Between Civilization and Culture

We often hear and use the terms “culture” and “civilization”, especially if we are dealing with topics corresponding to the area of ​​Social Science and even more so, to Anthropology; which is one of its most important branches. Difference Between Civilization and Culture 

Now, it is one thing for us to use those two words mentioned above and quite another for us to understand what the difference between them really is and in what contexts they should or should not be used. It is common for them to be used interchangeably, which is a mistake.

If you have doubts about it or just want a little more information about this topic, keep reading, because next we will tell you what is the difference between culture and civilization.

CIVILIZATION  Difference Between Civilization and Culture

This is a broader concept than culture, since it includes a complex set of elements of societies; including forms of government, norms and the culture itself.

Each civilization can comprise not just one, but several cultures. Civilization is understood as a society or set of societies that can be seen as an integrated whole and is more or less tangible despite the fact that its basic components (such as culture) may be immaterial.

Civilization cannot be transmitted from one generation to the other through the  use of language . Due to its complexity and magnitude, all the basic elements of a civilization would need to be transmitted in order for it to be “acquired” by others.

The civilizations we have known simply grew at one point, degraded, and eventually their subunits somehow collapsed.

CULTURE

On the other hand, as a less comprehensive concept, culture includes: religion, art, philosophy, literature , art, music, dance which bring satisfaction and pleasure to many and constitute a form of expression of the aspects of their lives.

Culture is closely related to the thoughts, feelings, ideals and values ​​that a group of people share. It is like the soul of a set of individuals. Unlike a civilization (which normally integrates several cultures), it can exist on its own.

Likewise, culture can manifest itself in a tangible or material way when it is the product of beliefs, customs and practices characteristic of a certain group of people.

Finally, it can be learned and transmitted from generation to generation using speech, symbols and communication. Culture can even evolve and be acquired by a different group of people.