COM100 Essay

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Murdoch University *

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100

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Anthropology

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by MajorKingfisher3745

1 "Anthropologist Ruth Benedict's assertion that we are 'creatures of our culture' holds true, as our habits, beliefs, and limitations are undeniably influenced and shaped by the cultural contexts in which we are raised. To break through the limits imposed by our cultures, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach that involves critical self-reflection, exposure to diverse perspectives, and an openness to embracing new ideas and experiences.

2 Question 6: Culture, as a concept, plays a significant role in shaping our habits, beliefs, and limitations. Culture is the collection of shared values, attitudes, beliefs and customs by a group of people (Triandis,1996). Culture influences our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. It is hard to deny the impact culture has on shaping who we are both as individuals and as a society. In exploring the extent to which our habits, beliefs, and limitations are shaped by culture, this essay will argue that culture does indeed hold a powerful influence on our lives. Anthropologist Ruth Benedict's idea that we are 'creatures of our culture' holds true, as our habits, beliefs, and limitations are undeniably influenced and shaped by the cultural contexts in which we are raised. However, it also recognizes the potential for individuals to break through the confines of their cultures and the limitations imposed upon them. This essay will delve into the ways in which culture molds our habits, beliefs, and limitations, and then proceed to discuss strategies and approaches that can help individuals challenge and surpass the boundaries imposed by their cultures, some of which include education, fostering identities and travel. By critically examining the role of culture and exploring ways for freedom from cultural confines, ultimately encouraging personal growth and societal progress. Culture plays a significant role in shaping our thinking and beliefs, influencing the way we perceive and interpret the world around us. Not only does culture affect the cognition of individual (Ji & Yap, 2016), but it also shapes their idea of the world around them and how they experience it. A good example of this is how the same colour can have different meanings across different cultures. In Latin America, yellow is linked to death, whereas in African societies it is a colour of success (Jennifer.Murphy, 2021). In this case, culture determines how individual’s perceptions differ according to their cultures. One's cultural environment shapes their thinking

3 and perception, which in turn affects how they experience and interpret their surroundings (Feibleman, 1970). Being aware of this provides an opportunity for breaking cultural barriers. To understand the role of culture in shaping our habits, beliefs, and limitations, it is essential to define culture itself. According to Triandis (1996), culture refers to the collection of shared values, attitudes, beliefs, and customs by a group of people. These cultural elements are learned and passed on from generation to generation. This refers to cultural inheritance; learning, teaching and communication are used to transmit information from one generation to another (Peedicayil, 2001). This process encapsulates the foundation of our social identity. Despite this, it is important to remember that cultural values and beliefs are not fixed; they change based on various contextual factors, such as time, economic and geographical conditions (Inglehart & Welzel, 2001). A few examples of why cultures might experience change include technological evolution (Chand, 2014). The culture surrounding communication underwent a massive change when mobile phones became more mainstream. It is now a norm to be constantly contactable and ‘switched-on’ ("Mobile media," 2015). The fact that cultural changes can occur so quickly provides an avenue for breaking through cultural limitations. Growing up in a specific culture, individuals perceive the established social systems, behaviors, and values as the "standard" way of life or the unquestionable way of life (Feibleman, 1970). This cultural conditioning inhibits critical thinking and consideration of alternative ways of life outside of our own cultural context. Without being able to have empathy or understanding for other cultures, individuals remain unable to question their own. Breaking through the limits of our cultures requires developing an awareness of cultural biases. Cohen and Gunz (2002) argue that acknowledging and challenging our cultural biases is a crucial step in overcoming cultural limitations. By recognizing the influence of our cultural background on our behaviours,

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4 perceptions and values we can also begin to question them. Do you believe what you believe purely because others tell you to? If so, why would they want you to follow that? Identifying restrictive norms or attitudes presents the opportunity to break through said barriers. Social identity and reputational concerns also play a vital role in establishing and following cultural norms (Gelfand & Jackson, 2016). People tend to conform to cultural expectations to ‘fit in’ with the majority and maintain a positive social reputation. However, this conformity may limit individual expression and hinder personal growth. Breaking through cultural limits requires individuals to critically examine and challenge societal expectations, allowing for authenticity and the pursuit of individual goals. Another example of cultural limitations, such as poverty, can significantly impact individuals' opportunities and life outcomes. Shalom (1999) discusses poverty as a cultural limitation and proposes that promoting education, economic development, and social support can help break through this cultural barrier. By addressing the underlying societal and structural factors that bring forth the limitation of poverty, individuals can have the opportunity to beat the limitations imposed by their culture. Another strategy to break through cultural limitations is to foster a sense of multiple identities and promote inclusive identities (Verkuyten & Yildiz, 2007). Cultures often emphasize specific identities and norms that marginalize certain individuals or groups. By recognizing and embracing multiple dimensions of identity, individuals can transcend the limitations of their culture and engage with a broader range of perspectives and experiences. Other studies have found the same, mere exposure to and interaction with other cultures does increase intercultural awareness (Haas, 2018). This also further increases the empathy of individuals and fosters an opportunity for self-growth (Zhu, 2011). This inclusive approach encourages openness to diverse ideas and challenges the confines of cultural boundaries.

5 While culture undeniably shapes our habits, beliefs, and limitations, it is essential to recognize that culture is not solely responsible for the formation of these factors. Gupta and Ferguson (1997) argue that culture does not act in isolation but rather interacts with a range of other influential factors, including political structures, economic systems, and social hierarchies. This highlights that individuals' behaviors and actions are not solely influenced by culture but is also shaped by external forces. In addition to external factors, biological mechanisms and evolutionary processes play a significant role in shaping human behavior. A Harvard study found that genetics not only influence substance abuse but also determine which specific drug individuals become addicted to (Tsuang et al., 2001) This suggests that biological factors can contribute to variations in individuals' responses and tendencies towards specific substances, going beyond the influence of culture alone. Just like biological or external factors, social hierarchies and personal experiences with others directly influence the formation of our own identity. The interactions individuals have with family, friends, and society do shape our values, attitudes, and behaviours. Zaller and R (1992) explore the impact of social processes on the formation of identity, emphasizing that our beliefs and actions are shaped by the experiences and relationships we have with others. By encouraging and creating spaces for positive cross-cultural interaction such as in schools, individuals are faster able to expand on their empathy and understanding of other cultures. Recognizing this influence of external factors, such as political, economic, and social forces, along with biological and genetic predispositions is crucial in understanding how to overcome cultural limitations.

6 Conclusion In conclusion, it is undeniable that culture significantly influences how our habits, beliefs, and boundaries develop. Our cognition, attitudes, and behaviours are influenced by our cultural upbringing and background. Yet it has been shown that developing beyond the borders of our cultures is possible. People can overcome the limitations imposed by their cultural context by becoming conscious of their cultural biases, questioning deeply held ideas, and establishing inclusive identities. Critically examining and acknowledging our own cultural prejudices is a crucial step in overcoming cultural barriers. We can combat prejudices, preconceived beliefs and social limitations by acknowledging the impact of our cultural background on our thoughts and behaviours. By embracing our individual identities and adopting a broader worldview, we can create a more inclusive society that celebrates the richness of cultural diversity while overcoming the constraints that culture may impose.

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7 References Chand, S. (2014, January 21). Cultural change: Main factors and causes of cultural change . Your Article Library. https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/culture/cultural-change-main- factors-and-causes-of-cultural-change/23392 Cohen, D., & Gunz, A. (2002). As seen by the other … : Perspectives on the self in the memories and emotional perceptions of easterners and westerners. Psychological Science , 13 (1), 55-59. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9280.00409 Feibleman, J. K. (1970). Cultural conditioning. The New Materialism , 134-146. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-3165-3_10 Gelfand, M. J., & Jackson, J. C. (2016). From one mind to many: The emerging science of cultural norms. Current Opinion in Psychology , 8 , 175-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.11.002 Gupta, A., & Ferguson, J. (1997). Beyond “Culture”: : space, identity, and the politics of difference. Culture, Power, Place , 33-51. https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822382089-001 Haas, B. W. (2018). The impact of study abroad on improved cultural awareness: A quantitative review. Intercultural Education , 29 (5-6), 571-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/14675986.2018.1495319 Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2001). Value change and the persistence of cultural traditions. Modernization, Cultural Change, and Democracy , 48-76. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511790881.005 Jennifer.Murphy. (2021, October 26). How color is perceived by different cultures | Eriksen translations . Eriksen Translations Inc. https://eriksen.com/marketing/color_culture/

8 Ji, L., & Yap, S. (2016). Culture and cognition. Current Opinion in Psychology , 8 , 105-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.10.004 Mobile media. (2015). https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473937222 Peedicayil, J. (2001). The importance of cultural inheritance. Medical Hypotheses , 56 (2), 158- 159. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.2000.1131 Triandis, H. C. (1996). The psychological measurement of cultural syndromes. American Psychologist , 51 (4), 407-415. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.51.4.407 Tsuang, M. T., Bar, J. L., Harley, R. M., & Lyons, M. J. (2001). The Harvard twin study of substance abuse: What we have learned. Harvard Review of Psychiatry , 9 (6), 267-279. https://doi.org/10.1080/10673220127912 Verkuyten, M., & Yildiz, A. A. (2007). National (Dis)identification and ethnic and religious identity: A study among Turkish-Dutch Muslims. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin , 33 (10), 1448-1462. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167207304276 Zaller, J. R., & R, Z. J. (1992). The nature and origins of mass opinion . Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511818691 Zhu, H. (2011). From intercultural awareness to intercultural empathy. English Language Teaching , 4 (1), 116. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n1p116

COM100 Essay

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