Final answer:
Conventionality/uniqueness in cultural expression is about following or deviating from social norms within a culture. Cultural universals are found in all societies but may differ in their expression. Sociological theories help to understand the balance and conflict between conventionality and uniqueness in cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of conventionality/uniqueness in cultural expression relates to the degree to which individuals or groups follow socially accepted norms or choose to embrace unique, distinctive practices. Cultural universals are elements that are present in all societies, although they may manifest differently depending on cultural contexts. For instance, while the family unit is universal, its structure and the expectations of its members can vary greatly between cultures. Likewise, cultural expression can either conform to or deviate from such widely recognized standards.
Sociologists study how cultures establish norms and why some cultures or individuals within a culture choose to express themselves in unique ways. These norms and expressions can change through phenomena such as cultural diffusion and innovation. A functional understanding of culture considers how different parts of a culture work together to meet societal needs, while conflict theory and symbolic interactionism offer alternative perspectives on cultural dynamics.