Step 1: Definition:
Culture is the entire way of life of a society - the sum total of knowledge, beliefs, values, customs, language, art and material objects that people learn, share and pass on from one generation to the next through socialization.
Step 2: Two components:
Sociologists divide culture into material culture (tangible objects - tools, clothing, technology) and non-material culture (intangible elements - values, norms, beliefs, language, symbols).
Final Answer:
Culture is the learned, shared way of life - both material and non-material - that gives a society its distinct identity and is transmitted across generations.