cultural influences in individual behavior

Question 1

what is culture?

Answer 1

Culture refers to a set of behaviors, attitudes, and identities shared by a large group of people, usually passed down over generations.

groups of people – cultural groups

Question 2

what are culture dimensions?

Answer 2

the standards, expectations, and rules that guide behavior within cultural groups

Question 3

what is enculturation?

Answer 3

• It is a form of cultural transmission from one generation to the next.
• The process of learning behaviors, characteristics, and norms of the culture one belongs to.
• SCT: direct instruction, participatory language, observational learning
• SIT: becomes part of the individual’s identity

Question 4

STUDY ON the impact of enculturation on cognition

Answer 4

Martin & Halverson 1983
aim: to investigate the role of gender schemas on information recall
- 48 children 5-6
- 16 pictures of women, men, girls and boys in activities consistent or inconsistent with gender schemas
- 84% errors made in inconsistent
- MEMORY DISTORTION

Question 5

STUDY ON impact of enculturation on behavior children

Answer 5

Fagot 1958
aim: to observe parental reactions to behaviors not deemed appropriate for the child’s gender
- 24 families
- observations 1 hour/ 5 weeks
- gender-specific behaviors were given a higher approval by their parents
- parents were not aware of the stereotype they were reinforcing

Question 6

what is acculturation?

Answer 6

the process of psychological and cultural change as a result of contact or interaction between cultures

Question 7

dominant vs minority cultures

Answer 7

dominant: richer, developed, liberal countries
minority: poorer, less developed, traditional countires

Question 8

what does an individual have to balance in acculturation?

Answer 8

heritage and identity
seeking interaction with other cultures
Berry, 2008

Question 9

what is assimilation?

Answer 9

Individuals are open to change and unconcerned about any loss of their original culture. They seek interactions with other cultures and are willing to adjust their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs.

Berry, 2008

Question 10

what is integration?

Answer 10

Individuals who want to hold onto traditional values and beliefs, but at the same time desire daily interactions with other cultures.

the more connected to a group you feel, the less acculturative stress

Berry, 2008

Question 11

what is acculturative stress?

Answer 11

biopsychosocial difficulties when adapting to a new cultural context
- creating connections/ maintaining old ones
- language barriers
- access to opportunities
- discrimination
- new diet

Question 12

STUDY ON ACCULTURATION

Answer 12

Lueck and Wilson 2010
aim: to investigate the factors that can affect acculturative stress in Asian immigrants to America
- 2905 interviews
- immigrated and children of immigrants
- 70% reported acculturative stress
- lowered: bilingualism, family values, economic satisfaction
- increased: discrimination, stereotyping + prejudice, and preference for speaking only English.
- assimilation contributes, integrations lowers