Final answer:
Core values are essential principles that define a culture's beliefs, guiding what is seen as good and important within a society. They are deeply embedded and influence norms and behaviors, while cultural competence involves recognizing and respecting these values.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we talk about the characteristics of culture, we refer to the shared practices, values, and beliefs that define a community or society. Among the most fundamental components of culture are core values. These are the principles and standards that members of a culture hold in high esteem, which truly shape the identity and practices of that culture. Core values are deeply embedded within a culture and are critical for learning the culture's beliefs, which are the specific tenets or convictions that people hold to be true.
For instance, in the United States, a core value might be the pursuit of the American Dream, which holds the belief that hard work can lead to success and wealth. This value influences many aspects of American society, indicating that wealth is considered good and important. However, different cultures may have different core values, such as collective well-being over individual success, which can shape their social norms and ways of life differently. Recognizing and respecting these values is part of what sociologists refer to as cultural competence.