What is culture?

TOPIC A: What is culture? Define culture and explain its importance in shaping people’s behaviors, values, traditions, and practices. Then, choose a culture (it can be American culture, your own culture, a subculture, or counterculture) and examine their beliefs, practices, etc. from a sociological perspective. Make sure to discuss elements of both material and nonmaterial culture. Consider these questions: How are members of these groups socialization? Do the cultural values of this group confirm or resist hegemonic culture? If you are using yourself as the focus of the paper, discuss your own process of socialization and how your culture has shaped your identity, beliefs and values. TOPIC B. Structure vs. agency Consider the structure vs. agency debate in relation to media and culture. Are people molded by culture in which they live, or do they actively participate in shaping the world around them? Consider topics like consumerism, racism, sexism, gender socialization, homophobia,etc. REQUIREMENTS This paper should be 4-5 pages in length, NOT including the reference page or the title page. Paper should be typed, double spaced, 12 pt times new roman font, 1 inch margins all around. In-text citations and references should be in APA format. Do not include an abstract, sub headings, or footnotes. You must use a minimum of 3 peer-review sources, including the textbook, for terminology and concepts. Include which topic you have chosen on your title page. No less than 5 and no more than 6 paragraphs.