What are considered traits, behaviors, practices, and values shared across cultures?

The concept of cultural universals refers to traits, behaviors, practices, and values that are common across different cultures, regardless of geographical location or historical context. These universals can include elements such as family structures, social norms, religious practices, and systems of communication. The key characteristic of cultural universals is that they transcend individual cultures and reflect shared human experiences, indicating commonalities among diverse societies.

In contrast, cultural patterns would emphasize the specific ways in which cultures manifest their traits and behaviors, and these can vary widely from one culture to another. Cultural diversity recognizes the vast differences among cultures, highlighting the uniqueness and variety rather than the commonalities. Material culture pertains to the physical objects, artifacts, and technology that a society creates and uses, which does not inherently address shared values and practices.

Understanding cultural universals is essential for recognizing the fundamental similarities that exist within the human experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural interactions and perspectives.