It is accepted to understand change of cultural systems and models of communication between people in time as cultural processes. Process of adaptation of the certain person or society in general to living conditions is called culture genesis.
As cultural processes are formed
Though the concept "cultural process" is related to such phenomenon as change in culture. At the same time it is not identical to it at all. Usually understand any changes including deprived of integrity as changes in culture. The concept "cultural process" is not so wide. It is just characterized by a complete picture of internal regularities.
There is a number of classifications of types of cultural processes. The general for them is that the main sign of any cultural process is an ensuring collective activity of people, the organization of their communications. Cultural process consists of a set of small cultural processes. Each such microprocess on the one hand lives independent life. And with another - is in continuous interaction with others.
Moreover, cultural processes can be absolutely differently directed and are even opposite each other. Progressive cultural process exists as a result of a creative initiative. The degrading orientation of cultural process is shown when losing relevance of objects or structures
Types of cultural processes
- phase (landmark) process coincides with history periodization (from primitive society before capitalism, for example); - the process leading to change of various directions, genres and currents (for example, from Romance style to avant-gardism in architecture); - in the form of cultural stagnation which is understood as preservation of values of traditions, restriction of innovations, etc.; - decline of culture as a result of elimination of its elements, norms, ideals, simplifications of cultural life of society; - crisis of culture when it is tended to destruction of former spiritual structures and institutes at yet not created new; - cyclic changes under the influence of which forms the long-term norms and rules of conduct (fixed in rituals, myths, calendars); - transformation of culture (begins under the influence of active updates in society in general). Decline of culture can be observed on the example of the small people, such as peoples of the North or Indians of North America. Getting under influence of stronger cultures, they could not fit into a new cultural paradigm. Though cases when reconsideration of own traditions led to cultural growth are known. So happened to the pagan people which adopted Christianity. Social and spiritual crisis generated new systems which as a result created world civilizations. Now cultural crisis is usually shown as result of active modernization of society. If the spiritual structure of society is strong, then as a result such crisis will lead to positive reforms. At weakness of spiritual structures - to failure and further degradation.