Final answer:
Culture comprises the shared beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a group, including tangible and intangible aspects. It is passed down through communication and heavily influences perceptions and interactions within society. Culture is learned and encompasses everything from social norms to the most important aspects of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term culture describes the collective beliefs, customs, and behaviors that characterize a group or society. It represents a set of shared practices, values, and beliefs that define the group's way of life. This includes not only the tangible aspects like art and traditions but also intangible aspects such as language, laws, morals, and social norms. Culture is passed from one generation to another through various forms of communication, and it influences every aspect of individuals' lives within that society.
Furthermore, culture shapes the way individuals perceive and interact with the world and other people. From explicit teachings, such as religious instruction or formal education, to the implicit learning of societal norms and expected behaviors, culture is or becomes a pervasive influence in human lives. A key element of culture is that it is learned and shared, creating a sense of identity and unity among those who participate in it.
Within any culture, there are expected behaviors for members of the group, and these can include rituals, fashions, and the observance of social etiquette. The impact of culture is profound as it encompasses thought language that patterns our perceptions, actions, and interactions on various fronts including family, friendship, faith, and politics.