Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a component of nonmaterial culture?

1. Marriage customs

2. Clothing styles

3. Myths and stories

4. Political institutions

The correct answer is: Clothing styles

Nonmaterial culture encompasses the intangible aspects of a culture that shape societal values, beliefs, and behaviors. This includes elements such as customs, traditions, language, mythology, and social practices. In this case, clothing styles represent a tangible aspect of culture, classified as material culture, as they are physical objects that can be worn and touched. Marriage customs, myths and stories, and political institutions all fall under the definition of nonmaterial culture. They pertain to the social structures, shared narratives, and ideologies that influence how individuals within a society interact and govern themselves. By focusing on the intangible elements that contribute to the identity and practices of a culture, it's clear that clothing styles are distinct from these nonmaterial components.