Defining Culture as a Part of Identity (AS A FEMALE MILLENNIAL)

Description

IV. Instructions: As we are learning through this class a culture can be defined as a system of knowledge and a way of looking at the world that is shared by a relatively large group of people. Cultural knowledge includes shared beliefs, values and attitudes that are developed over a period of time and communicated to other members of the culture through the significant symbols of the culture. As Hofstede suggests, we learn our culture as a type of mental programming that works much like the way the underlying code of a computer program works. The “code” of culture guides behavior and affects how we respond to people and situation. The goal of this part of the project is for you to research your culture and to develop a paper outlining what you have discovered. You are to contact members of your culture and seek out additional resources (our textbook, other books, web sites, and the like) as needed.   Defining Culture as a Part of Identity (Draft due Week 1) 1. How do you define your culture? In answering this question consider the following: Usually we think of defining our culture in terms of nationality or a country of origin. One may say, for instance, I am Polish, or Polish-American. Groups of people may also define themselves in light of ethnic or racial characteristics. A person’s sense of identity may also be rooted in a religious heritage or any other demographic aspect such as gender, sexual orientation, social class or in light of membership in an age cohort. Sometimes, an organizational structure such as being affiliated with the military or a particular type of community such as a rural community or a vacation spot can also serve as a way of defining our culture. 2. Are there particular values that are especially meaningful to your culture? Examine how Hofstede (Chapter 3) has contrasted two types of cultural orientations: Individualistic cultures emphasize the independence and autonomy of an individual. In individualistic cultures a person is self-directed and pursues individual goals or strives to please oneself. Collectivistic cultures emphasize the harmony of the group and the pursuit of group goals over individual endeavors. This may mandate greater conformity and concerns about the security of the group as a whole. Provide examples for your answer. At least one research source must be used and properly documented in APA in your references.  How to Submit Submit this 2 to 3-page essay using a Microsoft Word document (.docx), a Google Doc, or a pdf.  Do not submit an Apple pages file (.page) as Canvas does not recognize the files. The format must be Times New Roman, 12 Point font, and double spaced.   All research sources must be properly documented in a reference page in proper APA format.