Edmund Hirschs Three-Level Culture Model
Introduction
The noted German-American anthropologist Edmund Hirsch developed a three-level cultural model to help explain culture and its influence on behavior. In the model, he stated that culture is comprised of three levels: surface level, intermediate level, and deep level. Each level plays an important role in understanding and interpreting cultural behavior, beliefs, values, and norms.
Surface Level Culture
The surface level is the most visible level of culture and is characterized by the day-to-day behaviors between people. This level of culture is often referred to as “surface culture” because it is the most identifiable element of culture. It includes verbal and nonverbal communication, group dynamics, rituals, styles of dress, expressions, and the maintenance of social relationships. People in a given culture will adapt and conform to these surface level norms in order to fit into society and appear similar to those around them.
Intermediate Level Culture
The intermediate level of culture is less visible, but it still plays a major role in cultural norms and values. The intermediate level includes cultural beliefs, values, and ideologies. These are the values that are held at the deepest level of a culture, often passed down from generation to generation and held as truths without question. This level of culture is often deeply entrenched in a society, and it can be difficult for outsiders to recognize or understand.
Deep Level Culture
The deepest level of culture includes the core values and understandings that are shared among the people of a given culture. This level is often the least visible, but it is the most powerful in terms of influencing behavior. It is comprised of the beliefs, values, and ideologies that serve to shape the worldview of people in a particular culture. These values are not just accepted, but rather taken for granted as part of the cultural identity. The deep level is often shaped by language, religion, and history, and it is the foundation on which a culture is built.
Conclusion
Edmund Hirsch’s three-level model provides an accessible method for communicating and understanding culture. By understanding the surface level, intermediate level, and deep level of culture, people can gain a better understanding of a culture and how it influences behavior. This model is especially useful for sociologists and anthropologists who are looking to gain a better understanding of the culture of a specific population or group.
