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Objects carry shared meanings
Material culture includes the physical objects people create and use.
The idea
Nonmaterial culture includes ideas and values. The two interact: an object can embody a belief or social relationship.
An example
A wedding ring is a physical object linked to ideas about commitment.
Put it into practice
Ask both what an object does and what it represents.
Further reading: OpenStax · Sociology 3e ↗
Test yourself: Which item is an example of material culture?
A wedding ring
The ring is a physical object; its meaning involves nonmaterial culture.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
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