What defines culture according to the shared system concept?

Study for the Arizona State University (ASU) FAS370 Exam. Engage with diverse questions on family, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Prepare for comprehensive understanding with hints and explanations for better performance!

The correct answer emphasizes that culture is understood as a shared system of behaviors and symbols. This definition captures the essence of culture by highlighting how it encompasses the collective practices, values, rituals, and symbols that are characteristic of a particular group or society. These elements are transmitted through social interactions and shape the identity and worldview of individuals within that culture.

By focusing on behaviors and symbols, this definition acknowledges the dynamic nature of culture, as both are subject to change and evolution. The behaviors represent the actions and practices that individuals collectively engage in, while the symbols convey meaning and significance within that cultural context. Together, they create a framework through which members of a culture communicate and connect with one another.

Other options, such as unique traditions of individual families, narrow the scope of culture to a more personal and family-centric view rather than recognizing the broader communal experience. The focus on societal norms and legal regulations overlooks the richness of cultural practices beyond formal rules, and referencing geographical classification fails to account for the intricate web of interactions and shared symbols that define cultural identity. Thus, the answer that identifies culture as a shared system of behaviors and symbols presents a comprehensive understanding of the concept.

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