What does 'society' refer to in HSC Society and Culture?

In the context of HSC Society and Culture, 'society' refers to a group living in a defined geographical area. This understanding emphasizes the importance of both the physical location and the social relationships that develop among individuals within that area.

When considering society, it's essential to recognize that it encompasses the norms, values, beliefs, and practices shared by a population, which are influenced by their physical surroundings. This definition aligns with the concept of communities, where individuals not only share a spatial dimension but also a collective identity shaped by their cultural, social, and economic interactions.

The other options provided do not encompass the broader conception of society as it exists within the HSC curriculum. For instance, a collection of historical artifacts pertains to material culture, while a network of global interactions relates more to globalization than to the intrinsic social structures within a defined area. Additionally, a set of economic policies more closely describes governance or economic systems rather than the social aspects or relationships constituting a society.