What is the term for the cultural patterns that characterize a society as a whole?

The term that refers to the cultural patterns that characterize a society as a whole is "dominant culture." This concept encompasses the values, norms, and practices that are prevalent and widely accepted within a particular society. It often sets the standard for social behavior and establishes the framework within which various social interactions occur.

In any society, the dominant culture shapes institutions, influences laws, and guides the daily lives of its members. It is not necessarily a reflection of the majority or the most visible aspects of culture; rather, it signifies the prevailing culture that holds sway over others, including subcultures or alternative cultures that may exist alongside it.

Subculture refers to groups within a larger culture that have their own distinct values and practices, while popular culture typically describes the widely favored or mainstream trends that are present in mass media. Normative culture involves the shared norms and standards that guide behavior, but it does not encompass the broader, overarching cultural patterns of the society. Dominant culture effectively ties these elements together, illustrating the comprehensive nature of cultural influences within a society.