Which of the following is NOT an example of non-material culture?

• A. Language
• B. Beliefs
• C. Buildings
• D. Norms

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the distinction between material and non-material culture. Non-material culture includes intangible ideas, beliefs, and practices that shape how people think and behave—things you can’t touch. Language is a system of symbols used to communicate and think, beliefs are ideas about what is true or valued, and norms are accepted rules for behavior in a society; all of these guide everyday life without being physical objects. Buildings, on the other hand, are physical structures you can see and touch, so they belong to material culture. They reflect culture in their design and use, but they are tangible artifacts. So the item asks for what is not non-material culture, and buildings fit that description since they are material culture.