What does the term environment refer to?

The term environment encompasses the totality of a person's surroundings, which includes both human and non-human elements. This broad definition recognizes that the environment is not limited to just physical aspects like trees, water, and land; it also includes social interactions, cultural influences, and built elements like homes, schools, and community spaces. Understanding the environment in this comprehensive way is crucial in fields like Family and Consumer Sciences, as it affects people's daily lives, well-being, and choices. By considering all elements of the environment, one can appreciate how both social structures and natural resources contribute to an individual's experiences.