How do anthropologists define culture?

Anthropologists define culture as learned behaviors and shared beliefs because culture encompasses the ideas, customs, skills, and social behaviors that individuals acquire as members of a society. This understanding highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of culture, distinguishing it from mere traditions or fixed practices. By focusing on learned behaviors, this definition recognizes that culture is not inherent or biologically predetermined; rather, it is transmitted through socialization and is subject to change over time as societies evolve.

In this context, shared beliefs are critical because they form the foundation of social interactions and communal identity, influencing how people understand their world and relate to each other. This perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of cultural nuances and variations within and between societies, making it clear that culture is a living, changing aspect of human life.