Final answer:
The statement that culture does not structure friendship is false. Culture impacts how friendships form and are maintained, influenced by cultural norms, values, and societal expectations. Different cultures also have varying norms for expressions of friendship, such as physical closeness, which further illustrates culture's role in structuring friendships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Culture does not structure friendship by people choosing their friends, and friends remain so voluntarily' is false. While friendships are often formed voluntarily, culture can indeed influence the formation and maintenance of friendships. Cultural norms and values can dictate who is considered an appropriate friend and what behaviors are expected within friendships. For instance, the value of friendship is often seen differently across cultures. In some societies, the strong ties of kinship and obligation may influence friendship choices, while in others, personal affinity and shared interests might be the primary drivers. This is evident in societal structures where collectivistic cultures emphasize relationships and community, while individualistic societies may focus on personal choice and autonomy.
Moreover, cultural practices, such as societal norms regarding physical closeness or expressions of affection, as seen in different interpretations of hand-holding, play a significant role in how friendships are viewed and experienced. Social media also creates new forms of friendship with varying degrees of closeness—ranging from 'weak ties' to potentially 'stronger ties' upon in-person interaction or consistent online engagement. Therefore, culture has a non-negligible impact on friends and friendships, contributing to socialization processes and influencing social hierarchy within communities.