Grounds of Culture: A Metaphorical and Heuristic Approach

Abstract

Across courses in the social sciences, instructors confront the challenge of how to teach (theories of) culture, yet no consensus exists as to what helps students best comprehend and digest its full complexity. This article offers a metaphorical and heuristic approach to culture that is accessible, multifaceted, and reflective of a wide range of important sociological theories and concepts. Five metaphors are introduced: culture as a training ground, battleground, playground, campground, and fairgrounds. Practical applications and suggestions for organizing a course around these five metaphorical grounds are discussed and outlined.