Culture Influence in a Society

Culture Influence in a Society

Introduction

Culture is viewed differently by various communities in the world. It has different meanings, considering every community in society has its own way they identify culture. However, culture is mainly associated with good literature, music, art, and food. From an anthropological argumentation, culture could be defined as the entire study of learning human behavior correspondences. The culture was first introduced by Edward B, a great anthropologist. Tylor, in his book Primitive Culture, was published in 1871[Sus11]. According to Tylor, culture includes the understanding, knowledge, law governing a community, art, morals, and any other principle that defines a person as a member of society[Eri13].

Scope of the Study

This paper will review key elements of American cultural understanding with an approach to all social classes associated with cultural understanding. It will cover the cultural issues at a time when America is experiencing a high number of immigrants who settle permanently in America. The highest of immigrants in America are from Mexico and the People’s Republic of China. Due to the high number of non-original residents of America, its cultural values and customs are considered. From this approach, the paper is determined to discuss some effects on the culture and positive elements that can be drawn from it[Sus11].

Power, Ideology, and Religion

The power of ideology has been used since the beginning to organize society by instilling principles that guide it in assimilating and rejecting others. There is an immense power of ideas that can be used to promote, safeguard, or tear the cultural values of the people. On religious grounds, America is dominated by Christians, who form the greatest number of followers. However, due to the immigration rate escalating, different religions are increasing in the United States. The increase in the number of Muslims across America has introduced culture in the Islamic world, diversifying the original understanding of culture[Kor10].

Different religions have been associated with a certain stereotype, with Muslims being viewed as associated with terrorism. The question of whether to teach Islam in American schools is of concern to many residents. However, religious studies in schools should encourage the development of virtues that are acceptable to all, and that do not create religious conflict[Gra95]. Islam, Christians, Hindus, and any other religion across America should be encouraged to give teachings that promote harmony and unity and shun any practice that may stereotype either of the religions. Religious tolerance should be encouraged by forming a well-structured curriculum that teaches positive values of these religions to accommodate all[Chr11].

Language and Race

Language in American culture is a key challenge that has continued to create pressure on all levels of national interest. The curriculum in American schools has also identified language as a key area that conflicts. Some feel that they should embrace Spanish (Mexicans), while the majority, who are Europeans, feel that the English language should be the language to use both nationally and in schools. Language is a major element that defines the culture of any community in the society. In the early stages of life, children are expected by their parents to use their use either English or Spanish in communication. Chicanas who are born using Chicana Spanish believe that others communicate in poor Spanish. Such mentality leads to language conflict among the American residents[Ryu10].

The language through which a community is identified is critical. It is through this language that people connect their origin to. In the depth of language conflict, different people suffer when young when they are informed that they are speaking a bad language. This develops with time, leading to that child believing that certain language is bad. In addition, the Spanish speakers find it uncomfortable to use this language to Latinos. With this conflict, most students in schools find encouragement to take more French classes since it is viewed as a more cultured language. With the current view of English as the best language in comparison to Chicano Spanish, Chicano Spanish risk losing their language to English with the lowest usage noted[Fra40].

Scholars argue that to create a harmonious, non-conflicting environment, it is important to consider a common language for all. However, the language a child acquires when young should not hinder them from learning new languages. In case of this, they should be allowed to use the language of their choice. Whether Chicano, European, or Anglo-American all should be allowed to use their language to express themselves of their cultural origin. However, a common language is essential in places of work and in schools. This facilitates effective communication and interaction. Alienating people in their language promotes an irrational mental state that causes psychological conflict and division in society. Such a person may get to extreme levels of hating others unlike individuals on the basis of the language they use[Chr11].

Gender and Sexuality

There is a lot of associated culture regarding gender and sexuality. They are differentiated in being either male or female. Discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality should not arise. To encourage peaceful coexistence between people of America, each gender should be highly respected. Gender and sexual identity change depending on the development stage of an individual. It brings a sense of belonging to either male or female. Positive cognitive gender identity encourages the social development of a child. Encouraging healthy development in social, gender, and sexual characteristics will promote the emotional and physical development of that child. The ceremonial test shows how courtesy can improve the relationship, whether one is identified as feminine or masculine. Such an initiative would encourage better interaction among members of a community. Such cultural values should be encouraged amongst all as they promote respect for either gender[Rud01].

In American institutions of higher learning, it has been proved that students with poor gender and sexual development may feel uncomfortable negotiating for vacancies in the learning environment. Continued gender discrimination may influence the development of self-esteem which is key to the development of confidence and assertiveness in personality traits. Having clear-cut gender knowledge is necessary for individual development and social interaction within a community comprised of both males and females. Children born in a society that has a good cultural understanding of gender roles and responsibilities tend to be happier when either of the genders is well represented than those demarcated by one gender dominance. Though people should be allowed to practice their culture and feel good about it, there should be measures to get rid of harmful cultural practices that may interfere with a peaceful coexistence in society[Col13].

Social Class and Family Background

Social classes may be defined by the financial state of the family or the standard of living of the members of a society. Members of the society are disintegrated depending on their social status. Considering the study done in schools within American educational institutions, there is coloration in the behavioral trait of the child and the parent’s economic status. Children born from managerial parents tend to be better in decision-making, leadership, and high self-esteem while those of lower status in society tend to be good at practical skills and technical knowledge and skills. Such differentiation in social status might be conflicting when not considered[Eri13].

Discriminating against either of the genders may conflict with the main idea of integration and general culture exchange between school-going children of different cultural settings. With America’s increase in the number of immigrants, cultural diversity also is influenced. According to the study conducted on school-going children, it is evident that discrimination and prejudice exist on the basis of social status. In schools consisting of higher social classes, these were children from managers and other high-ranking officials who were positive about being rich and prejudiced against the poor. They thought of them as unlearned, and none of them wished to be in that category when they grew up[Rud01].

Discrimination that exists in the distribution of knowledge is hazardous. These stereotypes associated with the class in the social realm should be reduced to allow integration. For the development of society, integration is a key important factor that should be strongly encouraged to hold individuals together. Development of the cognitive approach to an individual’s social status should help the process of integration. The upper class requires the lower class at all levels of development of the society. In schools, attention should be given to all, regardless of their social status. Discriminating against one social class would lead to the development of a negative ideology about their status that acts as a catalyst for promoting hatred among the members of the society[Fra40].

Recommendations

Social integration is an important process that should be embraced to help solve many challenges arising in our society. Most of the problems associated with cultural misunderstanding should be discouraged by reducing the chances of creating stereotypes in our society[Lau 74]. Furthermore, integration should be encouraged among young people in the learning institutions to create an education system that accommodates all, regardless of their social status, race, gender, and religion. The second consideration would address the issue of religion. Every religion should focus on embracing teachings that accommodate others by encouraging the followers to embrace others, regardless of their social entity or religion. Equal distribution of resources in public schools would act as a stimulant to encourage positive competition between students from either social class[Sus11].

Conclusion

There are several activities that may be done to facilitate the development of positive and cognitive views that encourage cultural diversity in society. Every member of the society should feel that they are well represented and accommodated by other members of the society. Such an approach would discourage any form of disintegration and stereotypes. Extremism is a result of certain members of society developing a negative attitude towards others, leading to a feeling of hate, distrust, and the development of misguided judgment that may sometimes lead to criminal activities such as terrorism. Cognitive integration among the members of the society is beneficial in promoting development and cultural diversity[Sus11].

References

Boas, F. (1940). Race, Language, and Culture. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Byrd, R. P., & Guy-Sheftall, B. (2001). Traps: African American Men on Gender and Sexuality. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

Christia, S. B. (2011). American elementary school children’s attitudes about immigrants, immigration, and being an American. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 109-117.

Erica, J. H., Lawrence, H. G., & Stefanía, Æ. (2013 ). Examining Internationalization in U.S. Counseling Psychology Training Programs. The Counseling Psychologist, 918.

Grace, J. (1995). Power, Gender and Christian Mysticism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Johnson, C. R. (2013). Just Queer Folks: Gender and Sexuality in Rural America. New York: Temple University Press.

Korstanje, & Maximiliano. (2010). IDEOLOGY and PREJUDICES exploring the roots of religion. Antrocom, 22-65.

Kubota, R., & Lin, A. M. (2010). Race, Culture, and Identities in Second Language Education: Exploring Critically Engaged Practice. New York: Routledge.

Susanne, S., Saori, T., & Sasha, R. (2011). The Cultural Diversity Lens: A Practical Tool to Integrate Culture in Development-Pedagogical Guide. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 24-58.

Walum, L. R. (1974). The Changing Door Ceremony: Notes on Operation of Sex Roles in Everyday Life. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 104-109.

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After completing the cultural assessment evaluation for self-reflection, share the results with your classmates. How did you rate based on the scoring system?  Is there any room for improvement? There is nothing to be shy about if your score is not optimal.

Culture Influence in a Society

In your own words, how do you define culture?

What strategies do you plan to implement to enhance your cultural understanding?

Do you have any thoughts on the social determinants of health?