How is "culture" distinct from "society"?

Culture is distinct from society in that it encompasses the shared beliefs, values, norms, customs, and practices that are learned and transmitted within a group. This idea encompasses the intangible aspects of a group’s way of life, including language, rituals, and art. In contrast, society refers to the structured group of individuals who interact within these shared cultural frameworks. Society includes the organization of people—how they are grouped, how they relate to one another, and the institutions that arise from these relationships.

The distinction lies in the fact that while society provides the structural framework for interactions among people, culture fills that framework with substance through shared meanings and practices. The relationship between culture and society is interconnected, but they represent different dimensions of human experience. This understanding helps clarify how diverse societies can be underpinned by various cultures, highlighting the dynamics of social organization versus cultural expression.