Cultural origin of behaviour

Question 1

Explain Berry (1987)

Answer 1

• A Comparative study which showed that conformity was higher in the more collectivist Temne culture.

—>happens because an agricultural economy demands a higher degree of cooperation, (hence conformity); while a hunting-fishing economy does not—> it’s not only possible, but preferable, to do it alone.
An agricultural economy may require farmers to cooperate on irrigation, or to help each other with the bigger jobs like planting and harvesting. In theory, this level of interdependence and cooperation shapes social norms – the collective effort of agriculture shapes a collectivist society.
By contrast, fishing or hunting can be done completely solo, with no collective effort. This level of economic independence may shape social norms, and this in turn may impact behaviours like conformity.

Berry thought that food accumulation in these two societies indicated:
* a collectivist orientation amongst the Temne (who had to work together to farm, irrigate, harvest, etc.)
* an individualistic orientation amongst the Inuit (who largely hunted and gathered on their own).
He found a much higher rate of conformity amongst the Temne, which lines up with what might be expected from a collectivist culture.

—>took an anthropological and economic view of this,he argued that societies tend to produce whatever level of conformity is required by their economy. The Inuit could largely survive alone by fishing in a kayak or hunting, however, the Temne needed to help each other

Conclusion:
Cultural orientations to individualism/collectivism appeared to influence conformity.

Question 2

Explain Odden and Rochat (2004)

Answer 2

Aim: investigate the role of observational learning in enculturation.

Method: 28 children ( 4-12 yo), longitudinal study—> context of their village life
- Iterviewsof adult influences on the children (family, peers, church, etc…)
- At the same time, 22 boys (5-12 yo) were observed in their cultural learning of subsistence fishing
—>semi-structure interviews were conducted upon the boys and fishing relatives.

Facts to know:
- western cultural context are egalitarian and child oriented
- Samoan cargivers do not take responsability in their children’s learning

Situations observed:

• Household chores
• Fishing
• Hierarchical system of chief

Findinds:

Samoa children as young as six had learn the distinctive characteristics of ranks of hierarchy without explicit instruction

—>Samoan culture is learned through observation, not participation.

This indicates the key role of observational learning in enculturation in Samoa.

Question 3

Explain Smith and Bond (1998)

Answer 3

Look at notes

Question 4

Explain Chio and Blizinsky

Answer 4

Look at notes