Final answer:
It is true that material culture influences the lives of people within a society. Objects such as technology, art, and clothing not only exist within a culture but also shape values, norms, and daily practices, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of culture itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that material goods in a culture influence the way of life of its people is true.
Material culture, comprising the art, housing, clothing, sports, dances, foods, and other belongings constructed or created by a group of people, reveals much about a society's way of life. Such objects are not merely present in our environment; they participate in shaping our lives through the values, beliefs, and norms they represent.
For example, a smartphone, part of material culture, not only enables communication but also alters social habits, privacy perceptions, and even affects how knowledge and news are consumed.
It is crucial to understand this dynamic as it underscores the continuous evolution of culture, where technological advances like railroads or smartphones and new ideas like globalization affect material culture, which in turn influences nonmaterial culture and overall societal behavior.