Funeral Service Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of cultural universals?

1. They are specific to local traditions

2. They appear in all human societies

3. They vary greatly among cultures

4. They are obsolete in modern contexts

The correct answer is: They appear in all human societies

A key characteristic of cultural universals is that they appear in all human societies. Cultural universals are elements, patterns, or traits that are common to all cultures worldwide. These can include practices such as the formation of family units, the use of language, and various forms of art and religion. The presence of these shared characteristics indicates fundamental human experiences and needs that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries. This universality suggests that certain aspects of human life are shared regardless of the specific cultural context, highlighting the intrinsic similarities in human experience. The other options do not accurately capture this concept; for instance, being specific to local traditions implies restrictions to certain cultures, which contradicts the nature of cultural universals. Similarly, while cultures may vary greatly, cultural universals refer to the commonalities rather than the differences. The idea that they are obsolete in modern contexts also misrepresents their relevance, as many cultural universals remain significant today despite changing societal dynamics.