The implied beliefs, norms, values, and customs that define a society are called

• A. Culture
• B. Ethics
• C. Norms
• D. Customs

Answer: (A)

Culture is the broad system that encompasses the beliefs, values, norms, and customs that define a society. It shapes how people think, behave, communicate, and interact, and it’s learned and shared across generations. Because it includes both what a society holds dear (values) and how people routinely act (norms and customs), it best fits the description of the implied beliefs, norms, values, and customs that define a society. Ethics refers to moral principles about right and wrong, norms are expected patterns of behavior, and customs are traditional practices—each is a part of culture, but culture covers all of these elements together.