Final answer:
A group of people sharing values, customs, and interests is a cultural community. While 'society' refers to organized community living, 'culture' encompasses shared values and practices. Sociologists differentiate between these terms and study how interacting individuals create and sustain communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A group of people who are defined by sharing values, customs, interests, religion, or academic interests is referred to as a cultural community. This term best fits the description provided as it encompasses all aspects of shared culture among a group of people. Within this community, members interact and maintain shared practices, beliefs, and values.
In sociological terms, society is comprised of individuals who reside in a specific geographical area and share a culture, which includes the shared behaviors and beliefs. Importantly, while the terms 'society' and 'culture' are often used interchangeably, they hold distinct meanings. Society refers to the organized community living together, whereas culture encompasses the shared values, norms, and practices of these people.
A community may also be considered within various contexts, such as by ethnicity, religion, or even geographic location, impacting how individuals and the government interact to maintain the community's well-being. Sociologists pursue understanding communities and societies by practicing cultural relativism, assessing cultures based on their own standards and avoiding ethnocentrism and xenocentrism.