What do you call the overarching cultural norms that govern a society?

The term that describes the overarching cultural norms that govern a society is referred to as the dominant culture. This concept encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices that are widely accepted and promoted within a particular society, influencing various social institutions and the behavior of individuals. The dominant culture sets standards and expectations for behavior and societal roles, shaping the overall framework within which people operate.

In this context, dominant culture can also govern what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior and serves as a unifying force within the society. It is important to recognize that while this culture may be prevalent, societies often contain subcultures and countercultures that represent different values and practices but do not hold the same level of influence as the dominant culture.

Values, taboos, and subcultures, while related concepts, do not fully capture the idea of overarching norms governing the entirety of society. Values refer to the beliefs and principles that guide behavior, taboos are specific prohibitions that are often strong cultural restrictions, and subcultures are groups that exhibit distinct norms or values within a larger culture but are not central to the main societal framework. Understanding the dominant culture is essential for comprehending how societies operate on a larger scale and how individuals navigate their social environments.