Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What term describes the educational and political institutions, religious organizations, and family structures that are nonmaterial aspects of a culture?

1. Sociofacts

2. Tangible Culture

3. Cultural Landscapes

4. Normative Structures

The correct answer is: Sociofacts

The term that best describes the educational and political institutions, religious organizations, and family structures that are nonmaterial aspects of a culture is "sociofacts." Sociofacts encompass the social aspects of culture that shape the way communities interact and function. These include everything from family dynamics to educational systems and governance structures, which influence behavior and societal organization. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture this concept. Tangible culture refers to the physical artifacts and material objects created by a society, such as buildings, tools, and works of art, while cultural landscapes describe the visible features and patterns of use of the land that emerge from the interaction of culture with the natural environment. Normative structures typically refer to the norms and values that guide behavior in a society, but do not specifically address the organized institutions and social frameworks that constitute sociofacts. Thus, "sociofacts" is the most appropriate term for the nonmaterial aspects of culture as described.