Which term describes the system of norms, values, and behaviors that shape an individual's social identity?

The term that describes the system of norms, values, and behaviors shaping an individual’s social identity is culture. Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, practices, symbols, and values of a group, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others within their social context. It serves as a framework through which individuals understand their place in society and how they ought to behave in various situations.

In contrast to culture, society refers to a broader aggregate of individuals and their relationships, while community specifically denotes a smaller, often localized group of individuals who share common interests or characteristics. The family unit, on the other hand, represents a specific social group primarily connected through kinship and may be a part of the larger cultural fabric but does not entirely encapsulate the vast range of influences that culture has on social identity. Recognizing that culture shapes identity helps to understand the complexities of social interactions and the varied ways individuals experience and express their identities within different cultural contexts.