What is defined as an established and enduring pattern of social relationships?

The term that describes an established and enduring pattern of social relationships is "institution." Institutions are fundamental building blocks of society that provide structure and organization to social life. They emerge as a response to the needs of society and fulfill essential functions such as education, family, religion, economy, and government. These patterns are deeply embedded in the social fabric and persist over time, shaping the behavior of individuals and groups within a society.

In contrast, culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of a group. While it influences social relationships, it encompasses a broader range of human activity beyond just the patterns of social interaction. Society, on the other hand, refers to the large aggregate of individuals living together in a structured way, which can include multiple institutions. A community typically pertains to a smaller, localized group of individuals who share a common area or interests, but does not imply the same level of institutional organization or enduring structure as an institution does. Thus, an institution uniquely captures the essence of established patterns of interactions that persist over time in a society.