Final answer:
Behavior and cultures are influenced by prevailing culture, societal arrangements, and systems of stratification, which shape the choices and actions of individuals within societies. Social structures are dynamic, continuously being shaped by individual actions, and culture can both reinforce and suppress certain behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diverse factors such as prevailing culture, societal arrangements, and systems of stratification have a profound impact on behavior and cultures. The societal arrangements, including legislation and economic systems, both influence and are influenced by cultural norms and can perpetuate social inequalities. For instance, in some cultures, the teaching profession is highly valued but not well-compensated, reflecting a cultural belief that this work should be done for altruistic reasons rather than financial gain. This contrasts sharply with fields where profits are highly valued.
In terms of social structures, agency and structuration theory, proposed by sociologist Anthony Giddens, asserts that people interact with societal systems which guide their choices and behaviors. In societies with unequal access to resources, the range of choices and the power to influence systems can vary significantly. Social structures are continuously shaped and reshaped by individuals through their actions and interpretations, leading to a dynamic state of cultural evolution.
Culture influences behavior in numerous ways. In some societies, competition is encouraged, while in others it is discouraged. Likewise, creativity might be celebrated in one culture but suppressed in another. Understanding these cultural dynamics is vital for comprehending global interactions and addressing social inequalities that arise from international markets and labor outsourcing.