Final answer:
In Anthropology, patterns of behavior shared by a group are part of culture, which includes shared values, beliefs, norms, and artifacts. Culture shapes individual perceptions and experiences, making it significant in understanding societal dynamics and individual behaviors within those societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patterns of behavior shared by a society or group of people are commonly referred to in the field of Anthropology. When examining these patterns, anthropologists and sociologists look at various elements that constitute a culture, such as shared values, beliefs, norms, language, symbols, and artifacts. Culture is not only about what people do, but also about the underlying shared understanding that guides behavior within a group. For instance, different cultures have distinct food preferences signifying their identities, like the connection between Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples and salmon, or Jewish New Yorkers and bagels. However, one mustn't fall for the error of reification, treating culture as a living entity when it is, in fact, an abstract concept created by people as they interact within a society.
Culture is the sum of practices, beliefs, and behaviors of a society. It influences how individuals perceive the world and is not inherently material. Therefore, cultural patterns and societal pressures shape individual experiences and choices, calling for understanding society through practices like cultural relativism.