Non-material culture encompasses the intangible world of ideas, beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language, and social practices created and shared by the members of a society, shaping their understanding of the world and guiding their behaviour. It includes the abstract creations of human societies that are not embodied in physical objects. Non-material culture is just as crucial as material culture in defining a society's way of life and distinguishes human societies from one another. It is learned through socialisation and is transmitted across generations, forming the basis of cultural traditions and social order. Examples of non-material culture include religious beliefs, moral codes, customs, and systems of knowledge.