What term refers to physical objects such as houses and tools that are part of a culture?

The term that refers to physical objects such as houses and tools that are part of a culture is material culture. This concept encompasses all tangible items that people create and use within their cultural practices, including artifacts, architecture, clothing, and technology. Material culture plays a critical role in understanding how societies function and how cultural values and norms are expressed through the physical environment.

This distinction is significant in cultural studies because it highlights how physical items are both shaped by and shape human behavior and societal structures. For instance, houses can reflect aspects of cultural identity, climate adaptation, and economic status, while tools may indicate the level of technological advancement and resource availability in a society.

In contrast, non-material culture refers to the intangible aspects of a culture, such as beliefs, values, norms, and customs. Social culture typically encompasses the social structures and relationships within a society, while cultural heritage focuses on the traditions, practices, and historical significance passed down through generations. These terms do not capture the physicality of objects that material culture does, which is why material culture is the most accurate choice in this context.