Final answer:
The perception and value of products are influenced by cultural factors, both tangible and intangible. Material culture includes physical objects that may serve as symbols for the nonmaterial aspects, such as ideologies and values. This interplay shapes how different societies produce, differentiate, and appreciate products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of product is intertwined with culture and can be understood as the sum of the physical and psychological satisfactions it provides to the user. As such, the way products are perceived and valued can vary significantly from culture to culture. The cultural influence on products encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects, where tangible aspects include the physical characteristics of a product, and intangible aspects involve elements such as guarantees, brand reputation, and advertised promises.
Material culture refers to the physical objects that are a part of a society's heritage and daily life, such as clothing, tools, and art. These objects often carry a deeper meaning representing the nonmaterial aspects of culture like beliefs, traditions, and social norms. Nonmaterial culture, on the other hand, covers the abstract parts of a society's culture including their values, practices, and philosophies. Together, material and nonmaterial culture define the entire cultural landscape and critically influence the production, differentiation, and appreciation of products within different societies.