Defining Characteristics of Culture Culture, basically defined, consists of the various groups to which a person belongs. It is not inherited or scientific.It is a social concept, unique to the human race. In order to better understand the concept of culture, one can break it down into several defining characteristics.Though culture has many characteristics, let us focus on three main ideas: that culture is dynamic, that it is multifaceted, and that culture is learned.t is a social concept, unique to the human race. In order to better understand the concept of culture, one can break it down into several defining characteristics. Though culture has many characteristics, let us focus on three main ideas: that culture is dynamic, that it is multifaceted, and that culture is learned.