Culture and identity

Read Item A (item written for this paper). Item A: Identity is shaped by agencies of socialisation such as the family, education, peer groups and the media. Some sociologists argue that individuals are largely shaped by these structures; others argue that people actively create their own identities. Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which the media shape identity.

Outline and explain two reasons why social class may be less important as a source of identity today.

Read Item B (item written for this paper). Item B: Globalisation brings people into contact with a wide range of cultures through travel, migration and digital media. Some argue that this produces hybrid identities; others argue it creates a single global consumer culture dominated by Western brands. Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that globalisation has weakened local and national identities.