Material and non-material aspects of culture differ primarily based on the focus of the two approaches. Material culture is focused on resources, objects, and spaces that are significant to and define a larger culture. This can refer to locations such as cities, temples, or even workplaces as much as to tools and goods. On the other hand, non-material culture is entirely concerned with non-physical ideas and values that are inherent to cultures (Alabama State Department of Education, 2020). These may often manifest as norms, rituals, beliefs, morals, institutions, organizations, and language. The non-material components of culture often result in a guide or set of rules that dictate the relationship of events, objects, or other factors with people. In the case of religion, the existence of non-physical languages, values, norms, and symbols is especially significant.
Both non-material and material culture has drastically evolved and changed in recent decades. Material goods have significance to many individuals as a signifier of comfort. Technology is an especially relevant factor of the material culture as it permeates all aspects of life, from personal to professional. Non-material culture varies among cultural and national groups, though an overall decline in the reliance on norms and rituals can be observed. Organizational structure and behaviors have become more significant than the experiences in most other forms of collectives such as religious groups, local communities, and other areas of life.
In my personal experience, I have had mostly positive experiences among people involved in alternative subcultures. The presence of self-identification and a more original form of self-expression is important among such individuals. I find this to be an important concept in my own life, as it is important to recognize your own identity outside of your work and career. The subculture often relies on art forms such as music, dance, performance, and other forms of creation to form a community and communicate its identity.
Reference
Alabama State Department of Education. (2020). What is culture? Alabama State Department of Education. Web.