Fieldwork observaion - Essay Example

I was there on the 19th of September 2012, as from 1.00 to 1.20 pm. It was quite hot with temperatures of approximately 150 C to 230C. There was no reaction from the people I came across, eight in total, five males and three females. Two of the males were wearing long pants and T-shirts while the other three were in shorts and T-shirts. All the three females were wearing pants and T-shirts of various complexities. The lack of reaction is attributed to the fact that these people were not interested in what those around them thought or said about their behavior.

From observation, all those people were overwhelmed by the beauty of their behavior’s implications. It was surprising to note that all these people cared about their cigarette. It is what makes their world; it is what gives them comfort and relaxation, presumably enabling them to forget the reality. I never thought of it this while in the same group. I had been blinded by the thought of pleasure then, and the thought of having no worry or responsibility over anything or anyone, let alone myself.

The results of this field experience profoundly support our four-part definition of culture. Culture, being a set of learned and shared attitudes, beliefs, values, customs and meanings, is encompassed in providing a distinction in the existence of the persons concerned in the field study. In terms of how culture is learned, it is evident that every person in this location learned how to smoke through someone else, or through an experience or an exploration. With time, people have continued loving what they like, and smoking has become part of their lifestyle.

With regard to how culture is shared, members of the same group often share similar beliefs and values. As such, these people find fulfillment in being with their kind, with those whom they share this behavior. Having a shared notion about smoking eliminates a considerable difference among them, and they can more easily intermingle with each other. The similarity in behavioral patterns reflects a deeper level of sharing culture since smoking has become a norm for these people. This is essentially with regards to homogeneity of these people’s interests (Davis 200).

It is also evident that culture is reliant upon language and symbols. From the study’s observation, the people have a unique way of communication, for instance when one would like to light up his or her cigar with another’s. This codal communication enables understanding at a higher level and also creates a feeling of belonging among these people. Cultural integration refers to how a certain culture borrows some attributes from another, and so it becomes seemingly integrated in the other culture.

Smoking has been borrowed from cultures of other people and has been integrated in this environment. It has become integrated due to its consistency. From my knowledge, the behavior at this place has been continuous and takes place at the area over a long time. So, smoking has become a custom for this particular premise. In terms of being patterned, the custom has thrived in the area, with many young adults wanting to experience the zeal. In the current society however, smoking should not be patterned due to the many avenues advocating against it.

Smoking has however become an adaptive custom in this area and is not likely to diminish significantly. In conclusion, Santa