What do cultural universals refer to?

Cultural universals refer to practices and beliefs that are found in all human societies, regardless of their specific cultural context. These universals highlight the commonalities shared among diverse groups, reflecting fundamental human experiences and societal needs. Examples of cultural universals include marriage, concepts of family, language, and religious practices.

The identification of cultural universals serves to emphasize the shared nature of human experience, illustrating how different societies address similar challenges and social functions. This concept is essential in sociology because it allows for a broader understanding of human behavior and social structures, facilitating the comprehension of both cultural diversity and shared human traits.

In contrast, aspects of culture that are unique to individual societies focus on the distinct elements that characterize a particular group, which is not what cultural universals represent. Social norms that vary across cultures indicate the differences in behaviors and expectations specific to particular groups, highlighting diversity rather than universality. Localized cultural traits refer to specific customs or practices that are limited to a particular area or community, further underscoring the contrast with the concept of cultural universals.