Culture can be thought of as a system of shared values, beliefs, and understandings about what words and actions mean and the ways in which these values and beliefs are expressed. Culture shapes these beliefs and behaviors which are learned and shared by members of a group. Culture provides individuals with ways of coping with the world. It socializes individuals to what is expected of them, how to act, and what is acceptable to others.
Individuals develop close associations with their culture.
Culture gives meaning to experiences such as pain. Cultural differences in pain affects the way it is expressed and also affects our attitudes toward the use of pain medication. Culture promotes different values, just as each individual holds certain values. Values influence our everyday behaviors. Nearly everything we do reflects our values on some level.