Culture refers to the shared patterns of learned behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, institutions, and products of human work and thought that characterize a group or society. It is a complex system that shapes how individuals perceive the world, interact with each other, and adapt to their environment. References for Definition: Tylor, E. B. (1871). Primitive Culture: Researches into the Development of Mythology, Philosophy, Religion, Language, Art, and Custom*. John Murray. Tylor's classic definition describes culture as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society." Kroeber, A. L., & Kluckhohn, C. (1952). Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions*. Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. This work compiled and analyzed over 160 definitions of culture, highlighting its learned, shared, and symbolic nature. Characteristics of Culture: Learned: Culture is not innate; it is acquired through socialization, observation, and instruction from birth. Individuals learn their culture from family, peers, schools, and media. Shared: Culture is a collective phenomenon. It is shared by members of a group or society, allowing for common understanding and interaction. Symbolic: Culture relies heavily on symbols (language, gestures, objects) to convey meaning. These symbols are arbitrary but universally understood within a cultural group. Integrated: The various parts of a culture (e.g., economy, religion, family structure) are interconnected and form a coherent whole. Changes in one aspect can affect others. Adaptive: Culture helps individuals and groups adapt to their natural and social environments. It provides strategies for survival and problem-solving. Dynamic: Culture is not static; it is constantly changing and evolving over time through innovation, diffusion, and contact with other cultures. References for Characteristics: Ferraro, G., & Andreatta, S. (2018). Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective* (11th ed.). Cengage Learning. This textbook extensively discusses the characteristics of culture, emphasizing its learned, shared, symbolic, integrated, and adaptive nature. Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays*. Basic Books. Geertz's work highlights the symbolic and interpretive aspects of culture, viewing it as a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms.