Environments

The relationship between culture and nature is on assault on many fronts. Researchers argue that environmental degradation is the single most important problem affecting the quality of life across the globe. Author Manjara Mehta quotes from her research on environmental change and gender in the Himalayan Valley: “Our lives are no different from that of our buffaloes.” The meaning of this becomes clear when we address the reliance on the physical environment for all of our needs. In a slightly different context, the following passage illustrates this intricate connection and daily struggle for survival. “She walked her daily path to the river. When she arrived, she noticed the water looked different today. A bit cloudier than the day before. The sun was shining and it was incredibly hot. The dry season was approaching and the need to store water was more important than ever. With each day, the presence of clean water became more and more vital to the survival of her family. She took what she needed from the river and headed back to her village. The water would suit her needs for today. She would be able to cook, clean, bathe, and drink from the water she collected every day. However, with the uncertain condition of the water, she had no idea of knowing what effects may result from its consumption. Her family's survival depends on their ability to use and consume clean water. The reliance on this resource directly connects her to the physical environment.” This brief vignette only scratches the surface of the human-environment relationship. The mysticism and complexity of the natural environment has often been associated with women. In many cultures, women are responsible for the everyday maintenance of the family and community. Much of this responsibility relies on their daily interaction with the physical environment. The connection [Page 823]between gender and the environment is but one area where culture plays a role in understanding environmental issues.

Assessing the state of the physical environment is an important factor toward a clear understanding of the cultural and social problems of a society. The environment is not simply a space for cultures to grow and emerge but also serves to provide necessities and natural resources vital for a culture to survive. When environments are out of balance with the life they are supporting, problems emerge. Ecologically, habitats achieve and try to maintain equilibrium in order to continue to function. When systems are stressed, levels of natural resources and vital support for animals and humans become impacted. The idea of maintaining equilibrium can be better understood through the concept of carrying capacity and population. Carrying capacity relates the maximum population an environment can support while being able to support that population. When an environment exceeds its carrying capacity, the population can no longer be adequately supported. This results in a decline in available resources and other problems for the population. This ecological description can be translated to human culture as well.

As important as it is to recognize culture as primary in anthropologic studies, it is also important to reference the physical environments that support various cultures. The natural environment shapes and influences global cultural development. Each aspect of culture is impacted by its natural surroundings. From dress to diet, the environment determines what resources will be available for cultural development.

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