The description you're providing appears to address several concepts related to culture and social behavior. Here's a breakdown of the terms that might align with your description:
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Custom: A custom is a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something within a particular culture or community. It encompasses practices that are passed down through generations.
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Tradition: This term refers to beliefs, customs, and practices that are handed down from one generation to another, often including special ways of celebrating cultural holidays or occasions.
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Ritual: A ritual is a series of actions or behaviors that are often performed in a specific order and have symbolic meaning, typically associated with religious or cultural ceremonies.
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Norms: These are the informal guidelines about what is considered acceptable behavior within a group. They influence social behavior and may not be formally written down.
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Laws: Laws are formal rules established by a governing authority that dictate legal behavior and provide consequences for violations. They are often codified and enforced by legal institutions.
If you're looking for a specific term that encapsulates all of these ideas, "culture" might be the best overarching term, as it includes customs, traditions, rituals, societal norms, and legal frameworks that govern behavior in a given group.