Question

during the 1800s, matthew arnold defined culture as \the pursuit of perfection and broad knowledge of the world.\ how do contemporary sociologists define culture?

○ primarily the material aspects of people’s lives
○ primarily the nonmaterial aspects of people’s lives
○ an ideal, something opposed to the real world in which we live
○ the sum total of beliefs, behaviors, and practices that humans create to adapt to the environment around them

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because culture includes both material and non - material aspects, not just material.
• The second option is wrong as culture is not limited to non - material aspects only.
• The third option is incorrect as culture is not an ideal opposed to the real world; it is part of our real - world experience.
• The fourth option is correct. Contemporary sociologists define culture as the sum total of beliefs, behaviors, and practices that humans create to adapt to their environment. This definition encompasses both material (like tools, technology) and non - material (like values, norms) aspects and emphasizes the adaptive nature of culture.

Answer:

D. the sum total of beliefs, behaviors, and practices that humans create to adapt to the environment around them