| |
A shared experience is any experience that causes individuals to identify with each other. The shared experiences of groups are the basis for the formation of culture at the level of a nation, city, profession, organization, team, super culture or subculture. The following are illustrative examples.
MediaMedia such as movies, music, video games and television that give us personalities, characters, stories and culture to talk about with others.LanguageSpeaking the same language is a strong form of shared experience that allows individuals to interact and enjoy the exchange of information and emotion. For example, people who know the terms associated with a relatively obscure technology may delight in technical conversations and inside jokes that few outside their specialty would understand.
HumorLaughing together is a strong type of shared experience. Likewise, the ability to be humorous and enjoy humor are potent social skills.The thrill of taking a risk and getting away with it.CompetitionAny competitive situation such as sports, games or office politics. Competition may help to make shared experiences more intense with both wins and loses contributing to a sense of shared identity.
Stress, Hardship & Other MiseryAs with competition, misery may serve to intensify experiences to give them more social weight. For example, firms with a strong work ethic or that tackle big hard problems may benefit from a greater sense of comradery between workers.ParticipationParticipating in a group activity with a common goal. This may not be as intensive an experience as risk taking, competition or misery but requires effort and has value.
Going Through The MotionsA mandatory or effectively mandatory shared experience where people show up but aren't engaged. An individual who feels disengaged when everyone else is engaged may quickly feel a sense of alienation from the group. If everyone is disengaged it may be somewhat unifying as a form of misery.FansCheering for a sports team or demonstrating your unbridled enthusiasm for something.
RolesTaking on a role in a social system. For example, people who have the same job or social responsibilities.ProductivityProductive activity such as working and studying together. TraditionsA tradition is the practice of doing things the way they have been done. As traditions are often old, they can provide an opportunity for multiple generations to enjoy a shared experience.
Ceremony, Custom & RitualDoing things in a proper way according to a set of rules. A willingness to learn these rules and do things properly demonstrates commitment to the group.MealsIn all traditional cultures, the process of preparing and enjoying a meal is a valued shared experience. Rites of PassageA ceremony or event to mark stages of life or group membership. FashionDressing the same as in uniforms, adhering to the same fashion rules or pursuing the same general aesthetic. IdentitySharing a group identity. This can be a compelling experience as you feel an extension of the self to something much larger.Holidays & ObservancesHolidays and other annual events that give a rhythm to the year and call for people to get together. Holidays may also have meaning and significance.PerformancesPerformances such as a school play or festival that features local dance teams. Organizations also use performances and improvisation as team building exercises.CelebrationFinding an excuse to be happy as a group such as a celebration of the phases of the moon or likewise. NatureViewing or experiencing nature together such as a nice day or a solar eclipse. People have a strong emotional response to nature such that it can build a sense of well being or wonder that can be enjoyed as a group.Creative expression that is done to create something with artistic merit without distractions such as a profit motive.Experiences that individuals view as self-fulfilling or mystical. CultureShared experience shapes culture but culture also shapes shared experience. For example, a dance culture associated with sets of norms and skills such that you need a little cultural capital to fit in.|
Type | | Definition | Group experiences that shape and exemplify culture. | Related Concepts | |
Culture
This is the complete list of articles we have written about culture.
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
The definition of shared meaning with examples.
An overview of culture.
The common characteristics of language.
The common types of game.
An overview of video game culture with examples.
The definition of freedom with examples.
An overview of youth culture with examples.
An overview of de facto with examples.
The definition of community with examples.
The definition of sense of place with examples.
The definition of society with examples.
An overview of Nietzche's last man.
The definition of responsibility with examples.
The definition of reasonable expectations with examples.
The definition of technocracy with examples.
The definition of conformity with examples.
The definition of freedom of movement with examples.
TrendingThe most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.
Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map
© 2010-2023 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.
View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page.
|