Which of the following best describes "cultural universals"?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Prepare for the Cultural Anthropology Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple-choice questions with insights and explanations. Master the content for success!

Cultural universals refer to elements, practices, or patterns that are common to all human cultures. This concept suggests that despite the vast diversity found across cultures, there are fundamental characteristics or phenomena that all human societies share, such as language, family structures, or certain social norms. These universals can be seen as a reflection of shared human experiences and needs, whether it's the need for communication, social organization, or coping with the environment.

The other options do not capture the essence of cultural universals. Unique practices limited to specific cultures highlight the diversity rather than the commonality found across cultures. Similarly, religious beliefs exclusive to certain societies emphasize the uniqueness of those specific beliefs, rather than their prevalence across cultures. Finally, modern practices that adapt to globalization focus on the shifts and changes within cultures in response to global influences, which can obscure the foundational commonalities that cultural universals represent.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy