Material/Symbolic Culture

Material and Symbolic culture is present in any given society. Material culture reflects the physical aspect of civilization and the common artifacts and objects used in their society. Symbolic culture, however, takes on a much more broad definition; it essentially encompasses everything material culture does not. Symbolic culture can range from the language and gestures used in a society to its values and beliefs. In American society, material culture has turned into somewhat of an obsession. Specifically, in the technology craze, many individuals feel the need to keep all of their technological accessories up to date. The smartphone, specifically the iPhone, is an excellent example of material culture as it demonstrates the extent to which technology is integrated into our society; smartphones can configure ones home security, pinpoint the phones location from anywhere in the world and access the vastness of the internet all from the flick of a fingertip. This directly coincides with our symbolic culture as it demonstrates not only American's need for control but also the importance of prioritization and scheduling. Smartphones are often used to keep track of an individuals daily schedule by keeping appointments and specific information; smartphones can also communicate with anyone from nearly any location in the world and can be used to make rapid changes throughout one's daily life. Advances such as these contribute the overall on-the-go lifestyle of Americans and demonstrate the prominent connection between material and non material culture.