Final answer:
Culture is dynamic, diverse, and operates within societal power dynamics; it is not homogeneous. It involves shared values, norms, beliefs, and practices that evolve over time. Cultural characteristics represent the tangible interactions within a society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Culture
When identifying characteristics of culture, it is clear that culture is dynamic, operates within societal power dynamics, and is subject to change and adaptation. However, describing culture as homogeneous is incorrect because culture is, in fact, diverse and varied. Cultures consist of many subcultures and can contain countercultures that challenge the status quo.
Culture is comprised of shared values, norms, beliefs, language, symbols, arts, and institutions that represent a society's shared experiences and practices. It is a tangible representation of interactions among people within a society. Cultural change can occur through new inventions, discoveries, and the spread of ideas facilitated by technology.
Cultural characteristics include various elements such as religion, architecture, literature, music, traditions, and legends. Culture also reflects a society's technology, arts, and institutions at a given time. It is maintained through transmission but also evolves through innovation and cultural diffusion.