Cultural universal

A cultural universal (also called an anthropological universal or human universal), as discussed by Emile Durkheim, George Murdock, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Donald Brown and others, is an element, pattern, trait, or institution that is common to all human cultures worldwide. Taken together, the whole body of cultural universals is known as the human condition. Evolutionary psychologists hold that behaviors or traits that occur universally in all cultures are good candidates for evolutionary adaptations. Some anthropological and sociological theorists that take a cultural relativist perspective may deny the existence of cultural universals: the extent to which these universals are "cultural" in the narrow sense, or in fact biologically inherited behavior is an issue of "nature versus nurture".

In his book Human Universals (1991), Donald Brown defines human universals as comprising "those features of culture, society, language, behavior, and psyche for which there are no known exception", providing a list of 67 items.

Latest News for: Cultural universal

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Spring festivals: timeless tradition in modern Việt Nam

Vietnam News 09 Feb 2025
Folklorist Nguyễn Hùng Vĩ, former lecturer at the Department of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi National University, talks about the importance of spring festivals in Vietnamese folk culture ... of the spring festival in Vietnamese folk culture....
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University of Malta hosts third edition of conference on artistic exchange in the Mediterranean

The Malta Independent 09 Feb 2025
Charlene Vella, the conference will take place on Friday, 21 February, at the University of Malta Valletta Campus ... Professor Donal Cooper (University of Cambridge) ... Given Malta's central position in the Mediterranean and its rich history as a crossroads of cultural and artistic exchange, the University of Malta is an ideal venue for this conference....
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Hafez-e-Shirazi Corner inaugurated at AIOU

The News International 09 Feb 2025
Allama Iqbal Open University building can be seen in this picture. — Allama Iqbal Open University website ... During a visit to Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Ambassador Mogha­dam, alongside Professor Dr ... ShiraziCorner’ at the university’s history museum the other day....
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Magalong graces Panagbenga painting competition

Manila Bulletin 09 Feb 2025
9 ... 9. (Zaldy Comanda) ... The competition with the theme “Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio” is one of the traditional major events of the Panagbenga Festival ... 22 ... Also held on Sunday was the 10th Annual Kite-flying Challenge and the Cultural and Talent Showcase of the University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, and the University of the Cordillera....
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Chinese New Year Fair celebrates Year of the Snake, brings ‘optimistic energy’ in its 42nd year

San Diego Union-Tribune 09 Feb 2025
That sentiment was on display across the fair on Saturday, as hundreds of attendees enjoyed Chinese cuisine and handmade goods from various local vendors, and performances including Chinese martial arts and traditional dance from the San Diego State University Chinese Cultural Center....
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Western food was unhealthy and costly. So they turned back to bison and mushrooms

The Observer 09 Feb 2025
“We started with food because it’s so universal. Not just as a need but as a grounding cultural and family force,” said Michael Prate, who spearheaded the program in its initial stages ... Getting the students to eat more culturally significant foods is not without its challenges, however....
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Nebraska lawmakers hear testimony on bill that restricts transgender people

The Daily Nebraskan 09 Feb 2025
... University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s student government. The Association of Students for the University of Nebraska voted to formally oppose LB89 at its meeting Wednesday, claiming it would foster a “culture of discrimination by excluding transgender people across campus.” ASUN Sen....
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UNH receives $3 million to develop international, community-based seafood program

Seacoast Online 08 Feb 2025
The program will involve students from across the globe, who will participate in online and in-person classes and hands-on work as they develop aquaculture approaches “specific to their culture and communities,” the university said ... We see this as an opportunity for scientific exchange from different cultures and regions.”....
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Feature: Musical concert builds China-Malaysia cultural bridge

Xinhua 08 Feb 2025
The performances and the strongly positive response from the audience demonstrate how music, as a universal language, enhances Malaysians' understanding of Chinese musical culture and serves as a solid bridge for cultural and artistic exchange between the two nations, UCSI's ......
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Iranian envoy inaugurates ‘Hafez-e Shirazi Corner’ at AIOU, reaffirms commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan

Urdu Point 08 Feb 2025
Reza Amiri Moghadam, has reiterated Iran’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Pakistan, particularly in trade, economy, and security.</p><p>During a visit to Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Ambassador Moghadam, alongside Professor Dr....
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Iranian sisters experience journey of cultural discovery, understanding in China

People Daily 08 Feb 2025
"It's amazing how two cultures, so far apart, can share such similar traditions. Family, renewal and the celebration of life -- these are universal values that connect us all," Atossa said ... The sisters grew up in Shiraz, one of Iran's oldest and most culturally significant cities, and also a hub of Persian civilization, art and history....
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Shanghai-style dress ensures officials impress

China Daily 08 Feb 2025
Donghua University in Shanghai was tasked with designing the outfits ... The Asian Winter Games are not only a sports gala, but also a big cultural gathering," said Ni Jun, one of the leaders of the design team and a professor at the College of Fashion and Design at Donghua University....
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Igalla Maidens as Objects of Ritual Killing

This Day 08 Feb 2025
Yet the Nigerian state argue that a return to “native culture” is cool. The children of those who advocate a return to “culture” are safe in the US and elsewhere....

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