Final answer:
Culture consists of shared values, beliefs, norms, language, symbols, and artifacts that guide social behavior. Values are ideals held in high esteem, norms are rules that maintain values, and language and symbols facilitate communication of cultural ideals. Cultural diversity and societal constructs like technology influence and evolve culture's values and norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the concept of culture in a sociological context, we refer to elements that are fundamental to the culture of a society. Values are a core aspect, defined as ideals or principles held in high esteem by members of a particular culture. These values deeply influence beliefs, which are convictions individuals hold to be true. Along with values and beliefs, culture consists of norms, language, and symbols.
Values in culture represent what is perceived as good, bad, beautiful, or ugly, guiding societal preferences and behavior. For example, the American Dream reflects the value placed on wealth and success in the United States. Culture is also governed by norms, including laws and traditions that maintain values. Norms consist of mores, which are moral norms, and folkways, which are less formal traditions.
Despite the idealistic nature of values, there is often a discrepancy between these ideals and the real culture—the actual behavior and social patterns observed in society. This can be seen in the ways individuals may aspire to certain values, such as good health or marital monogamy, but face challenges in upholding them.