What does symbolic culture encompass?

Symbolic culture encompasses the non-material aspects of a society that help shape its identity and functioning. This includes beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that guide behavior and social interactions. For example, language is a crucial component of symbolic culture, as it allows individuals to communicate shared meanings and experiences. Similarly, rituals, customs, and ideologies reflect the collective consciousness of a group, influencing how members of that society perceive the world and relate to each other.

In contrast, material possessions and wealth reflect the physical objects and economic resources that individuals or groups may own, which is distinct from symbolic culture. Physical structures within a society, such as buildings and infrastructure, are part of material culture, relating to the tangible aspects rather than the intangible meanings and associations. Lastly, government policies and regulations are formal rules that govern behavior and society's organization—while they hold significance, they do not directly pertain to the beliefs and symbols that characterize symbolic culture. Thus, the essence of symbolic culture lies in its focus on the non-material dimensions that influence social life and cultural identity.