Final answer:
Cultural values differ significantly and are dynamic, not static. They evolve and differ across cultures and even within cultural subgroups. Cultural pluralism and universals coexist, reflecting both the enduring and adaptive nature of culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultural values differ significantly and are dynamic. This means that cultural values and norms are not fixed; they evolve and change over time due to a variety of factors such as technological advances, global trade, migration, and social dialogue. Cultures adapt and adjust in the face of new challenges and through contact with other cultures. As an example, across different cultures, perceptions of what constitutes appropriate physical closeness in public can widely vary. In some places, hand-holding among men signifies camaraderie rather than romantic feelings, showcasing how one gesture can have different meanings in different cultural contexts.
The concept of culture being dynamic is also evident in internal variations within a single culture; what is common in one subgroup may be different in another. Cultural pluralism further illustrates that within a society, smaller groups can maintain their unique cultural identities while being part of a larger cultural whole. Culture is both enduring and adaptive, often preserving distinctive features even amid change.
Just as culture is subject to change, it also has an aspect of commonality or cultural universals. Despite cultural differences, all societies tend to share patterns or traits like family structures, funeral rites, weddings, and celebration of births. Yet, how these cultural universals are expressed can be distinct, with each culture having its interpretation and practice. Thus, while culture is a social construct that defines societies and enables social cohesion, it is also subject to evolution and reinterpretation.