Final answer:
Distinctive patterns in culture as seen by Ruth Benedict entail common elements and shared systems of thought that define a society, while contemporary anthropology looks at the complexity within these patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
What creates a distinctive pattern in culture, as seen by Ruth Benedict, comes from the common elements, behaviors, and beliefs that differentiate each culture and society. These patterns of culture, such as language, religion, land use, education, and customs, create a fabric of life that is both resilient and dynamic. Despite external forces triggering cultural changes, societies often retain some unique features that mark their cultural identity. Furthermore, culture is more than just a set of practices; it encompasses the way we think. It's a shared yet complex system that can demonstrate both consensus and conflict within various social groups.
Ruth Benedict's work on Japanese culture illustrates a time when anthropologists tried to define cultures by common personality traits or social behaviors. Even though contemporary anthropology acknowledges much more complexity within cultures, understanding these basic patterns can still reveal a great deal about what makes a region's culture distinctive. Benedict's observations remind us of the intrinsic value found in exploring and understanding these patterns as they relate to ways of life and cultural landscapes.