Final answer:
Culture is a dynamic system of shared symbols, meanings, and norms that shape a society's way of life. It provides a framework for shared interpretations and sets the stage for mutual understanding or conflict within and between societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Culture
Culture is defined as a dynamic system of collectively shared symbols, meanings, and norms that represent the non-genetic information possessed by a society. It includes shared values, beliefs, norms, language, practices, arts, and artifacts that form a society's way of life. Culture is learned and helps shape individuals' perceptions, contributing to their collective identities and memories.
Relationship to Shared Interpretations
Within a culture, there exists a common ground that links the author with the readers through shared language and symbols. These shared aspects of culture allow for a mutual understanding and interpretation of behaviors, practices, and expectations. However, conflicts may arise when interpretations differ due to divergent experiences or values within the same culture or from outside cultural influences.
Sociologists examine cultural contexts to understand situations where certain behaviors are expected and where they're not, searching for patterns in these shared interpretations. This cultural framework is essential for the functioning of a society as it provides a set of rules and expectations for behavior, which are understood and followed by its members.