What term encompasses the characteristics, beliefs, and values of particular groups?

The term that encompasses the characteristics, beliefs, and values of particular groups is culture. Culture is a broad concept that includes the shared customs, practices, language, and material traits that define a group of people. It shapes how individuals within the group interact with each other and perceive the world around them. Culture influences everything from art, music, and food to social norms and rituals, serving as a collective identity for the group.

While identity refers to the individual sense of self as influenced by cultural factors, it does not encompass the broader shared beliefs and values that define the group as a whole. Society, on the other hand, is a larger construct that includes multiple cultures and groups. Tradition specifically refers to the customs and practices that are passed down through generations, which are a part of culture but do not capture its full scope. Therefore, culture is the most comprehensive term relating to the shared characteristics, beliefs, and values of specific groups.