Final answer:
Culture is the shared values, behaviors, and norms prevalent among members of a society. The dominant culture is influential and accepted by the majority, whose practices shape societal arrangements and actions. Cultural universals and diversity coexist within societies, highlighting the dynamic nature of culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture is often described as the shared characteristics of a group, which include beliefs, practices, values, and behaviors that are common among its members. The phrase 'shared dominant culture' refers to the culture shared by the majority of people within a given society, which is usually more influential and widely accepted across the larger population. Prevailing culture involves a broad range of shared components such as language, technology, values, and societal arrangements like legislation, economic systems, and education that shape and define the actions of a human population.While a cultural framework is commonly shared within a society, variations exist among different groups, leading to diversity in experiences and perspectives. In any given society, there can be mass culture which represents the most popular beliefs and behaviors, as well as minority cultures which embody the distinct views and practices of smaller groups within the larger society. Despite cultural diversity, there are certain cultural universals that are consistent across all human societies, such as family structures and social rituals like weddings or funerals.Understanding and appreciating cultural differences as well as commonalities is important for coexisting in a diverse society. Sociologists and cultural researchers examine how individuals interact within their culture, enforce societal norms, and shape collective identities, contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of culture.