What term describes the complex whole that encompasses beliefs, values, and practices?

The term that describes the complex whole encompassing beliefs, values, and practices is culture. Culture is an all-encompassing concept that includes the collective practices, social norms, languages, rituals, art, customs, and ideologies that characterize a group or society. It provides the framework within which individuals interact with one another and with their environment, shaping their identities and experiences.

Culture influences how people perceive the world, how they behave, and the meanings they attach to their actions and interactions. It is a dynamic entity that evolves over time, as it responds to changes in society, technology, and external influences. Understanding culture is essential for analyzing human behavior and societal structures, as it helps to illustrate the diversity and complexity of human life.