Book: Patterns of Culture

Introduction
"Patterns of Culture" is a classic anthropological work by Ruth Benedict, first released in 1934. In the book, Benedict takes a look at the diverse cultures of different societies from an incorporated and holistic view, providing a new perspective on understanding human behavior. She argues that each society has a special pattern, which is formed by its customizeds, beliefs, and worths. These patterns are not only the outcome of geographical, financial, or biological aspects however likewise of human choices.

Culture and Personality
Benedict studies the relationship in between culture and character by analyzing 3 different societies: the Zuni tribe of New Mexico, the Dobu individuals of Papua New Guinea, and the Kwakiutl tribe of British Columbia. She argues that each culture has an unique pattern identified by its worths and worldview, which in turn forms the personality type of its members. These cultures exemplify three distinct types: Apollonian, Dionysian, and Paranoid.

The Zuni, who represent the Apollonian type, worth harmony, balance, and neighborhood cohesion. They are risk-averse and resolve dispute through consensus-building. Conversely, the Kwakiutl embody the Dionysian type, defined by a highly individualistic and competitive principles. They value display screens of wealth, power, and prestige, typically taking part in sophisticated routines and potlatches to assert status. Lastly, the Dobu are categorized as the Paranoid type, marked by suspicion, hostility, and aggressiveness. They think that success comes at the cost of others and often practice witchcraft to attain their objectives.

Cultural Relativism
Benedict also presents the idea of cultural relativism, which advocates for understanding and evaluating cultural practices within their own context instead of imposing external values or moral judgments. She compares the morality of each culture, noting that what might be seen as immoral or irrational in one context might be reasonable and ethically warranted in another.

For instance, the Dobu practice of sorcery might appear terrible and irrational from a Western viewpoint, however within their cultural context, it is a logical method of attaining success and power. Benedict motivates anthropologists and others to consider the broader patterns of life in a provided society, acknowledging the internal logic that governs cultural practices instead of judging them against an arbitrary moral code.

Integration and Dysintegration
Benedict argues that the coherence and stability of a society depend upon its capability to develop an integrated pattern of values and customizeds. This combination enables individuals to feel a sense of belonging and participate meaningfully in their culture. Alternatively, when a society ends up being "dysintegrated", it loses its coherence, causing social problems and a decline in the overall wellness of its members.

A striking example of this is the impact of colonization and Western impacts on indigenous individuals. As these societies were required to desert their traditional lifestyles, they experienced a loss of cultural identity and disintegration, leading to increased rates of alcohol addiction, epidemic diseases, and social chaos.

Conclusion: The Value of Cultural Diversity
In conclusion, "Patterns of Culture" highlights the significance of multiculturalism as a natural and important aspect of human life. Benedict argues that diverse cultural patterns show the selection of human potentialities, allowing various societies to adjust to and prosper in their environments.

Additionally, cultural relativism motivates us to appreciate and gain from these variations, promoting a more extensive understanding of humanity and encouraging shared regard amongst cultures. While edited 8 decades back, the insights presented in Ruth Benedict's "Patterns of Culture" continue to resonate today as the world grapples with the obstacles and chances of globalization and cultural exchange, advising us of the requirement for empathy, understanding, and appreciation for cultural diversity.