Final answer:
Culture contributes to society by establishing norms, which are guided by values, beliefs, language, and practices that help societies function. Culture is crucial for societal operation and evolves over time through innovation and globalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture significantly contributes to society through the establishment of norms and is made possible by various cultural elements such as values, beliefs, language, and practices. Societies need culture to function fluidly, as it provides a framework that guides individuals in making daily decisions and supports the overarching operation of society. Cultural norms, which include laws, mores, and folkways, determine the visible and invisible rules of conduct that help structure a society. Furthermore, the symbols and language of a society are crucial in conveying and perpetuating culture, assisting in shaping collective identities and memories.
The functionalist perspective suggests that all parts of a culture work in unison to fulfill the needs of society, while other perspectives, like conflict theory, view culture critically as it may reinforce inequalities. Nevertheless, cultures are dynamic and evolve over time through innovation and discovery, notably impacted by technology and globalization, which contribute to both material and nonmaterial cultural changes.