What is defined as the beliefs and values prevalent in a society?

The term that defines the beliefs and values prevalent in a society is "cultural context." Cultural context encompasses the shared norms, practices, customs, and values that characterize a specific group of people or society. It includes aspects such as traditions, language, religion, and art, which shape a community's identity and influence their behavior and perceptions.

Understanding cultural context is essential for interpreting social interactions and communication within a society. It helps to illuminate why certain beliefs and values are held, influencing everything from daily life to broader societal norms. This is particularly important in fields like anthropology, sociology, and psychology, where the understanding of cultural dynamics is crucial for analyzing human behavior and social structures.

In contrast, social context refers more specifically to the immediate relationships and environments that people find themselves in, while political context relates to the governmental structures and political beliefs influencing a society. Economic context focuses on the financial aspects and conditions affecting a community. While all these contexts are interconnected and can influence cultural context, it is the latter that most directly reflects a society's beliefs and values.