Sociocultural HL Extension

Question 1

Globalization

Answer 1

the process by which culture, amongst other things such as economics, finance, politics, influence one another and become more interconnected through the movement of people, information, and items

Question 2

Bicultural identity

Answer 2

takes into account local and global culture

Question 3

Identity confusion

Answer 3

Interaction with both cultures can create this, especially in counties where global culture of individualism is in conflict with a local culture of collectivism

Question 4

Example of identity confusion

Answer 4

Hikikomori in Japan. Culture bound syndrome found primarily in Japan where individuals may lock themselves in their rooms. An example of how a change in culture influences cognition and behaviour as some individuals in Japan have experienced feelings of marginalization as a result of the interaction between local and global cultures

Question 5

Research methods used to study globalization

Answer 5

Often correlational studies as it would be difficult to manipulate variables of globalization and behaviour in a lab. By using correlational, the link between co-variables can be tested. In this case, globalization, such as individualistic values, and cognition one behaviour, such as mental health. Weaknesses of the method are correlational studies do not demonstrate causation as the variables are not directly manipulated. Also, cultures are fluid and changeable. As a result, it is difficult to determine if changes in culture are the result of globalization or natural developments

Question 6

Ogihara and Uchida (2014)

Answer 6

Aim: investigate how a transition to individualistic values might be influencing the subjective well being of young Japanese students
Procedure:
- students from 2 universities: one Japan and other in US
- questionnaire was used to measure individualism, number of close friends, subjective well being, life satisfaction, and emotional states
Findings:
- a negative correlation was found between individualism in Japanese students and their overall subjective well being + number of close friends (higher individualism = less happiness + fewer close friends)
- the number of close friends a Japanese student was a mediating variable
- this correlation was not found in American students
Conclusion:
- the spread of western values through globalization could have negative effects on people living in collectivist cultures

Question 7

Norasakkunkit and Uchida (2014)

Answer 7

Aim: investigate the relationship between an individuals attitude towards collectivism and conformity (both valued in Japan) to the risk of hikkimori
Procedure:
- Japanese uni students
- a standardized test was given to assess if there is high or low risk for hikkomori
- another test was done to measure attitudes towards social conformity, perception of the self, ideal self, and perception to Japanese society
- third test was done to measure Japanese values, conformity, and global ideas of individualism
Findings:
- people assessed to be at high risk of becoming hikkimori often ranked low in social harmony, local identity, and global identity
Conclusion:
- hikkomori may stem from feelings of alienation and feelings of not belonging to ones local culture (collectivism) and global culture (individualism). This in turn impacts individual behaviour

Question 8

Global forces on the individual and the group

Answer 8

Ogihara and Uchida, Norasakkunit and Uchida

Question 9

Global forces on cultural origins of behaviour and cognition

Answer 9

Ogihara and Uchida, Norasakkunit and Uchida

Question 10

Global forces on cultural influences on individual behaviour

Answer 10

Ogihara and Uchida, Norasakkunit and Uchida

Question 11

Methods used to study globalization and the individual and the group

Answer 11

Ogihara and Uchida, Norasakkunit and Uchida