What are modes of behavior and understanding that are not universal known as?

The concept of cultural scripts refers to the shared understandings and norms that guide behavior within a particular culture, yet are not universally applicable across all societies. These scripts are integral to how individuals navigate their social world, as they provide frameworks for appropriate conduct, communication, and interaction based on cultural context.

Cultural scripts emphasize that behaviors and values can vary significantly from one culture to another, illustrating that what might be considered acceptable or normal in one culture could be viewed very differently in another. This idea highlights the importance of social context in shaping behaviors and interpretations of actions and norms.

In contrast, material culture refers to the physical objects, artifacts, and structures that people create and use within their societies. Cultural relativism is a philosophical approach that encourages understanding a culture on its own terms and refraining from judgment based on the standards of one's own culture. Subculture refers to a group within a larger culture that has its own distinct values and practices, which might differ from the mainstream but still exist within the broader societal framework.