Cultural Differences - Research Paper Example

Cultural Differences Abstract This study sets out to explore cultural differences, what they mean, and their implications. The paper will discuss two multicultural concepts, analyze them, and examine the significance they have in the understanding of cultural differences prevalent in the society. More specifically, the two multicultural concepts that the study will focus on are ethnic identity and cultural identity. The study will seek to explore the meaning of each of the two concepts and the influence they have in understanding of cultural differences. Cultural Differences Introduction According to Royce (1982), there exist differences among all cultures of the world; these differences emanate from the fact that each group has its own norms, belief system, and values. The cultural differences prevalent in most parts of the world mean that people behave in accordance with their culture. Moreover, people tend to hold dear their values, morals, and ways of life. As a result, the traditions of any group of people are held sacred and should be adhered to by the members of the ethnic group. Those who violate the laid down norms may face punishment from the entire society. Therefore, a society may apply some sanctions for undesirable behavior; for example, wrongdoers may be ostracized or alienated from the other members of the society. However, the amount of punishment differs from society to society due to the varying cultural beliefs. Ethnic Identity Ethnic identity is a diverse term which has no universally accepted meaning. However, scholars have advanced the definition of ethnic identity to mean the relationship of a person as he or she relates to his or her society. Specifically, ethnic identity refers to a construct that affiliates the individual to the rest of the group. Ethnic identity refers to the view of a person by themselves and others as belonging to a certain group. A person chooses to identify with a group that tends to be available for him or her whenever he or she needs the group or a group, which acknowledges him. For example, a person can choose to affiliate with a group that has the same ethnic heritage (Banks, 1996). According to Banks (1996), in ethnic identity, the affiliation with a group can be in terms of cultural, natal, racial, and symbolic factors. Natal factors can be regarded as the ancestral attributes of a person; for example, the homeland of a person, origin of parents, and the origin of kin. Racial factors entail the use of physical characteristics as well as physiognomic attributes. On the other hand, symbolic factors refer to the characteristics that tend to be typical of a certain ethnic group. Examples of symbolic factors include clothing, foods, holidays, artifacts, among other attributes shared by a group of persons. Cultural factors involve the behavior patterns exemplified by the group; it may also include the shared values and customs of a group. For most people in the world, ethnic identity forms the basis of national identity; as such, people tend to identify themselves with their ethnic groups. People belonging to the same ethnic group tend to share some attributes which are distinct from other ethnic groups. Moreover, ethnicity signals some form of physical traits, cultural similarities, an enduring descent, and a blood relationship. Apart from these similarities, people belonging to the same ethnic group tend to have some commonalities which include a common language, similar traditions, common religion, and a history that they can share (Royce, 1982). To a large extent, ethnic identity forms the basis for understanding the diverse differences among cultures. People tend to strongly identify with their respective ethnic groups. By belonging to an ethnic group, a person declares a certain ethnic identity and continues to demonstrate acceptable behavior which is characteristic of that group. Ethnic affiliations encompass some group consciousness which aligns itself with the elements prevalent in the culture of the ethnic group. People belonging to an ethnic group tend to shun the cultural practices of other groups; rather, they hold their own beliefs as stronger that the beliefs of others (Royce, 1982). The cultural practices of an ethnic group are distinct from the practices of another ethnic group. As such, disparity exists in the ways of life of the groups. Thus, the immense differences in culture between ethnic groups can be used as the basis to explain cultural differences which result from ethnic identity. Cultural Identity Another concept that forms the basis for understanding cultural differences is cultural identity. Over the years, cultural identity has featured as a key issue in many academic forums and conferences. The need for cultural awareness has become central in the media coverage of issues such as terrorism, religious differences, and politics. Cultural identity refers to the feeling of inclusion in a culture or a group (Baer, 2004). In cultural identity, culture encompasses the beliefs, attitudes, and what a person from any culture deems normal for their group. Since many cultures exist in the world, each culture has a central role in creating cultural diversity. Baer (2004) asserts that “apart from the culture or group that one belongs to or identifies with, cultural identity may also include identities such as racial, class, religious, sexuality, gender and familial identity.” In addition, other attributes such as social identity, national identity, and personal identity may also play a crucial role in cultural identity. Normally, cultural identity is formed through unconsciousness processes; as such, cultural identity cannot be regarded to be inborn. According to Friedman (1994), cultural identity cannot be fully formed; it develops over time. Cultural identification can be seen as an ongoing process; this is contrary to ethnic identity which an individual experiences during birth. Identity may result from external influence from other cultures which a person interacts with. Human beings tend to search for identity on a continual basis in order to fit into the entire world. Cultural identity is more diverse than ethnic identity. This is because a person can identify with people of other cultures, which they do not necessarily share similar language. Cultural identity plays a significant role in the understanding of cultural differences which exist in the world. For example, a group of people may have similar cultural identity distinct from other cultures around the world. Cultures of the world vary in numerous ways: a region may have a culture that appears different from the culture exhibited in another region. Moreover, the ways of doing things among a group of people may vary significantly from the ways things are done by another group. For instance, the age at which one gets married may differ from one place to another. Cultures may also be different in the way they bring up children. This can be evidenced by the diverse differences between western parenting and eastern parenting (Friedman, 1994). In conclusion, ethnic identity and cultural identity have a profound influence on the cultural differences. Various groups in the world tend to share some belief systems that are unique to them. For instance, language, the mode of dressing, and cultural values can be unique to a certain group of persons. The diverse ethnic and cultural disparities existent among societies explain the role of ethnic identity and cultural identity in explaining cultural differences. References Baer, J. (2004). Cultural Diversity. California: Counterpoint. Banks, M. (1996). Ethnicity: Anthropological constructions. London: Routledge. Friedman, J. (1994). Cultural Identity and Global Process. London: SAGE Publications. Royce, P. A. (1982). Ethnic identity: strategies of diversity. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Read More