In cultural studies, which term describes the physical manifestations of a culture?

The term that describes the physical manifestations of a culture is "material culture." This concept encompasses all the tangible objects, artifacts, and physical structures that people create and use within a cultural context. Material culture includes items such as clothing, tools, buildings, artworks, and technology that materially represent a culture’s values, beliefs, and practices.

Material culture plays a crucial role in understanding how individuals within a society live, express their identities, and interact with their environment. By studying the material culture of a group, researchers can gain insights into the social and cultural dynamics of that group, including how resources are utilized, the significance of certain objects, and the aesthetics that are valued.

Symbolic culture, while also important in cultural studies, focuses on the intangible aspects of culture such as beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that convey meaning. Non-material culture refers to the ideas, values, and practices that people share, distinct from the physical objects they create. Experiential culture can refer to the lived experiences of individuals within a culture, emphasizing subjective interpretations rather than specific physical artifacts.

In summary, "material culture" specifically highlights the concrete, physical aspects that embody and reflect a culture, making it the correct term in this context.