According to Ralph Lynton, what does culture encompass?

Ralph Lynton's definition of culture is comprehensive and nuanced, expanding beyond just surface elements to include a range of categories that capture the richness of human societal constructs. By encompassing universals, alternatives, specialties, and individual peculiarities, Lynton highlights that culture is not a monolithic entity but rather a collection of various expressions and practices across different societies.

Universals refer to elements that can be found across all cultures, such as family systems or language, while alternatives are the diverse ways these universals can manifest in different contexts. Specialties point to unique cultural traits or practices specific to particular groups, and individual peculiarities acknowledge the personal aspects of culture, recognizing how individual experiences and choices contribute to the broader cultural landscape. This multifaceted approach allows for a deeper understanding of culture as a dynamic system that shapes and is shaped by human experiences.

In contrast, other options provide a more limited view of culture, focusing solely on specific components like norms, skills, or historical practices without addressing the broader and more inclusive conceptual framework that Lynton proposes.