Which is NOT a characteristic of culture?

The response identifies changing personal preferences as not being a characteristic of culture, which is accurate. Culture encompasses the shared practices, behaviors, values, beliefs, and customs that are passed down through generations within a group or society. These shared aspects are typically stable and provide a sense of identity to the group members.

Customs and traditions, language and values, as well as beliefs and habits are all integral components of culture. They reflect the collective identity and social norms of a community. In contrast, changing personal preferences are subjective and can vary widely from individual to individual; they do not necessarily reflect the broader cultural patterns that define a group. Such personal preferences may evolve rapidly and are influenced by individual experiences, rather than being a fixed or shared characteristic of culture. This distinction is crucial in understanding the foundational aspects of culture versus individual choice.