Writing Culture (theory)

Writing Culture is a theory in anthropology that emphasizes understanding societies through their written records, language, and communication practices. It suggests that writing shapes social identities, power relationships, and cultural continuity, highlighting how written texts influence people's behavior and beliefs. Rather than viewing cultures as solely oral or face-to-face communities, it recognizes writing as a vital tool that records history, enforces social norms, and fosters collective memory. Ultimately, Writing Culture examines how written words and symbols function within societies to create meaning and structure social life.