What are the three levels of culture that sociologists study?
Sociologists study three distinct levels of culture in order to better understand how culture affects individuals and groups. These three levels are material culture, symbolic culture, and cultural values. Material culture consists of physical objects, such as tools, clothing, and architecture, that people create and use to express their values and beliefs. Symbolic culture consists of symbols, such as stories, rituals, and language, that people use to interpret and express their values. Finally, cultural values consist of the shared beliefs, norms, and values that are held by members of a society. Understanding these three levels of culture is essential for understanding how culture affects people in their everyday lives.
