What defines "culture" in sociology?

Culture in sociology is fundamentally understood as the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group. This encompasses a wide range of human experiences and symbols that reflect the way of life of a particular society or community. Culture shapes how individuals perceive the world around them, influences their behavior, and informs their social interactions. It includes language, norms, customs, traditions, and all other aspects that are collectively recognized and practiced by members of the society.

Physical artifacts, such as tools, clothing, and art, while important, are components of culture rather than a definition of it. They can reflect cultural values and practices but do not encapsulate the entirety of what culture represents. Geographical characteristics relate to the physical landscape and resources of a region, which can influence culture but do not define it. Legal systems represent structured norms and regulations within a society but do not encompass the broader spectrum of beliefs and values that characterize culture. Thus, the selection that identifies culture as the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group accurately captures its essence in sociological terms.