Defining Culture and Identity - Literature review Example

? Literature Review The changes and representations that are a part of the media are reflected through different understandings of culture and identity. The culture that is a part of society is based on the traditions and various concepts of how a culture is perceived. Communication becomes a form of culture and what it means to be a part of an identity (Carey, 3: 2008). Media and society then become intertwined with how different cultures are identified as well as the communication that is used with certain events. The ability to communicate through the use of images, as well as the form of content that is used, becomes the main concept in perceiving a message to others in society (Carey, 4: 2008). To understand the significance of the representations of media and the culture is also the need to examine how culture and identity is defined and how this may be affected by media perceptions or conflicts. The question of how the media changed or portrayed culture through 7/7 events can then be understood by building a sense of how culture and identity fit into a given society. Defining Culture and Identity The concept of culture and identity is one that is based on perception and the way in which one interacts within society. Identity begins with an individual and how the one person understands their own realities, experiences and expressions. The personalities, behaviours and the association which one has with others become the main attributes of identity. The concept of creating labels at an individual level becomes the main component that is associated with personality and identity and changes the way that most associate with others. This begins with the psychological relationship one has to the labels and the desire to be a specific identity. This mental decision then creates an attraction to specific groups and segments in society. It is the similarities that are a part of the individual and that create a relationship to others that creates the sense of culture, or belonging to a group that has the same identity (Postmes, Jetten, 12: 2006). As the concept of identity begins to form in groups, the culture is formed with specific behaviours and ideals. Physical, mental and behavioural similarities often relate to the group that has formed and which creates a culture. However, the similarity is that each individual believes there is a similarity within themselves that is reflected in the group, either physical or through behaviour. Acculturation and adaptation combine with this at a different psychological level to create a set of relationships that can work toward the same identity. For instance, religious changes, adapting to physical presence that is expressed by the group and associating with mannerisms are able to add into the reflection of the culture. The conceptualization of a culture from different perspectives creates the main changes that are a part of the group (Berry et al, 303: 2006). The process of building culture becomes associated with the basis of psychological relationships which are created and the defining of behaviours and interactions which are comfortable to various individuals. The reflection that is seen then becomes a part of a minority or majority group. If the comfort is from ethnicity or race, then defined behaviours are also known to associate with this. The relationship between the individual and a segment of society becomes important in defining the way in which the individual perceives their own identity and how this integrates into the building of various groups. When looking at the definition of culture, it can be seen that individual identities that find similarities integrate to create groups and segments within a given society. Communication and Culture The concept of culture and the way in which this is expressed becomes based on various levels of communication used among groups and to show identity. The communication is not only based on the language and basic affiliation with a culture. There are also purposes that are used behind the cultural connotations and the identity which is created among groups. Power sources, identity of type of culture and building an identity as a subject, as opposed to an object, are some of the reasons why many begin to identify and communicate a specific culture. The main communication which is used is noted to create a sense of tolerance. This is one that is not within the political realm and the policies which are created. Instead, it is based on building a sense of diversity through various societies and identities to blend various groups. The overall objective with groups is to show that there is a level of tolerance while allowing personal expression to be reflected. The communication used is based on this personal reflection and the identity which one associates with (Brown, 2: 2008). The concept of tolerance among those who are communicating a specific identity is followed by sociocultural perspectives. The social objectives are based on creating a space in which individuals can identify with through cultural means. The perspectives are based on how the group is able to communicate at a social level. Cultural practices are able to create a shift in social relations. It is the practices, behaviours and the way in which an individual associates with the practices that builds identity. This association either leads to a sense of education in the development of culture or creates the building of culture based on the security of identity. With the sense of security, one is able to express and communicate with definitions that are understood and which provides a stronger basis for the association with an individual to a segment of society (Nasir, Hand, 449: 2006). Building Multiculturalism The formation of cultures within a community not only adapt because of the psychological, personal, mental and physical traits recognized among various groups. The movement of culture is furthered by those who are interested in the concept of diversity and multiculturalism. This particular term was first used by Canadian Prime Minister Perriott with the belief that each ethnicity should be equal within the country. The basis was to create a political set of policies that invited immigrants that were in Canada to be a part of the culture. While it was expected that each could celebrate their own culture, there was also the expectation that the same capacities and justices would be available to the various groups (Fowers, Davidov, 581: 2006). From the time of World War II and the integration of multiculturalism, has been global recognition of this concept. The impact is based on the belief that it is the moral duty of a country to treat all citizens with the same freedoms and to change the ethical forces of justice, inclusion and mutual respect. This particular ethical basis has then turned into an ethical theory which creates a sense of cultural competency in which the culture of groups and a nation begin to change perspectives based on the justice and freedom that is offered through the nation (Fowers, Davidov, 581: 2006). From the political viewpoint, as well as from the policies and majority social belief, there is an understanding that multiculturalism and the development of integrated societies should be the basis of a developed community. The concept of multiculturalism is one that not only changes the psychological concepts of justice and equality to various groups. It also is known to attract immigrants and to change the overall identity of those in society which is functioning within a specific group and that belongs to a specific ethnicity or identity. The significance politically is based on immigration and the growth in the economy as a result of every individual carrying equal value. At the same time, there is the ability to change the levels of humanitarian belief systems. Neo-liberal multiculturalism, which is based on social structures of ethnicity, is one which is based on the inequalities and breaks that are a part of society and from political leaders. The idealism that is created from cultural groups then links to complete freedom and equal opportunity (Melamed, 1: 2006). Even though the outcomes and idealist viewpoint is one that is often stressed with the multicultural groups, there are also some issues raised, specifically when plural ethnicities are represented within a society. Cultural pluralism is based on the double identity which individuals have, specifically which integrates every individual into equal opportunity in the country. At the same time, the individuals can express their own culture with language, celebration and ritual that is a part of each tradition. When there are several cultures expressing this within a society, then the multiculturalism changes to the same expressions of private areas becoming a part of the culture. The educational means, limited interactions and relationship to resources further change and build boundaries with multiculturalism and the ways in which different cultures perceive an entire community (Megarry, 18: 2006). The pluralism that is expressed in various communities then moves into specific ways that political leaders try to influence and change the integration into a given region. In the UK, the concept of foreign policy has been directly affected by the multiculturalism that is expressed. This is combined with the integration and cohesion that is related to the state through policies and expectations. The main ideal in the UK is to prevent extremism in identity and to ensure each individual is able to participate within the communities. Furthermore, there is a sense of ethical concepts that is portrayed within the community with the boundaries working as an unequal component to the leadership. The models include re-identifying values within the community. The different policies and expectations are also used to diminish the discrimination between groups, specifically with conflicts and foreign events that are altering the behaviours and mentalities that oppose specific groups (Brighton, 1: 2007). Cultural Conflict The pluralism which has been created leads to cultural conflicts first through the individual and group beliefs created. Various ethnicities have created an understanding of policies and what is expected to work and function within an economy. Work and family demands, for instance, vary according to the cultural expectations between the East and the West. There are also differences of what it means to have well – being and the relationships which should be created in the workplace, family and at a community level. The smaller cultural conflicts which arise are based on the misunderstandings and perceptions of what well – being means and how it affects the core cultural values of those that are within society (Lu et al, 9: 2006). When the viewpoints of smaller groups change according to the core cultural values, it can easily lead to conflict and perceptions about the other or outside groups while creating a sense of conflict in community and what should define the values and perceptions as a part of the community. The way in which conflict is reflected with specific situations through the work and family then becomes identification within smaller communities. The concept of separatism from the core values and beliefs of culture leads to perspectives that create division. The divisions are furthered by misunderstandings between various cultures and why each is able to treat the other in a given manner. Cultural beliefs and identity from minority cultures have a specific set of values. Often, these are not identified among those in the majority culture. As this develops, misunderstandings, lack of communication and development of the other begins to occur. At this point, the cultures become divided by misunderstanding of belief. The lack of competence in understanding and remaining educated in terms of cultural identity become a main dividing line that separates those who are within society and the cultural expectations which are associated with a given area (Giger, Davidhizar, Fordham, 3: 2006). The conflicts which arise among the smaller communities then lead to emerging difficulties and complications with the economy and the ability to move forward within society. While there is the ability to focus on multiculturalism and equal opportunity, those in the labour market who come in as refugees or immigrants have little to no options for progression. Most work in the secondary markets but aren’t able to integrate completely into society because of cultural differences, such as language, training and the different understanding of values within work and family. The restrictive policies for multiculturalism then don’t provide the ability to work into capacity building or to provide options to overcome the structural barriers that are within society. The economic and cultural barriers then reflect back to the perspective of the smaller communities, marginalized cultures and individuals who are within a given country (Bloch, 21: 2007). The different effects that occur from an individual to a societal level are based on the theory of pragmatic failure within cross – cultural scenarios. The failure begins with communication that is between individuals. The individual definitions, relationship to cultural identity and the changes which are in the mainstream society change the scenario. The communication which is given then is told with barriers and doesn’t provide the right sense of awareness with different aspects of society. The types of failure identified include pragmalinguistic failure of language boundaries and sociopragmatic failure, which is based on social definitions that change between cultures and ethnicities. The native to non – native interactions is the main way in which this is altered with cross – cultures being altered by the level of competence one has toward a specific culture (Bolton, Kachru, 23: 2006). For those that are coming into a society which has different expectations culturally and within various policies, is difficulty in creating the right level of communication. While the policies support multiculturalism and integration, the barriers within society remain with higher pressures based on the communication, economic boundaries, expectations in society and individual definition and identity. Effects of Conflict on Culture and Identity The concept of culture and identity is one that leads to reflections in society as well as misperceptions that are created from various groups. When conflict arises, there is immediate division between the various cultures, even though all may have the same and equal opportunities. Dominant groups tend to separate from minority groups with the conflict with differences and definitions stated to note ethnic, religious and language differences between both sides. Confirming the role of identity is the main objective within the conflict. By showing that a specific identity holds to specific stereotypes and cultural beliefs, there is an understanding that each culture is different. Multiculturalism will continue to offer economic and equal opportunity; however, the beliefs and values of the minorities separate from majority interests. The concept of identity instantly begins to change by defining various groups and the interests of the cultures (Gartzke, Gleditsch, 53: 2006). The definitions and divisions that begin to arise in the event of a conflict are furthered through the theory of cultural frame switching. This particular model states that each environment moderates shifts among various cultures and groups. There are specific cues and actions which are taken to create the shift and to change the environment. When the environment alters, new definitions and beliefs about a specific group are formed and create a different sense of identity. The identity becomes a conflict to the reality of the identity of the groups, specifically because the behaviours come from new stereotypes based on the conflict. At the same time, the values and beliefs of the group may differ from the conflict which has arisen. The dichotomy of the identity of those in this specific situation then cause cultural groups to adapt according to the emerging changes that are occurring in various situations (Cheng, Lee, Martinez, 742: 2006). The conflicts which are created from the various situations then link to defined boundaries that set each of the ethnic groups apart. Many who separate within work, community and family base this on the learned experiences, behaviours and different identity which they believe don’t integrate with other cultural groups. Organizations and individuals create this boundary as a response to the conflict to show a sense of cultural identity. The role of collectivism is one component that begins to affect the behaviour of individuals, specifically with the psychological acceptance of specific beliefs. If there is a group in the majority population that begins to divide, separate and create stereotypes, then this is followed by a collective consciousness that follows this. Even though this begins with the individual and emotional intelligence, it is easily altered by the environment and perception of the cultural identity that is created (Kaushal Kwantes, 579: 2006). The friction which is created with different problems in a society are furthered by the understanding of the culture being highlighted and standing out from other cultures. Cultural cues and the ability to move into a majority population as a minority is the regular fluctuation identified within a society that claims multiculturalism. However, when a conflict arises, the integration is immediately divided by ethnicity, religion or culture. This creates a contrast that builds the cultural priming effects, which includes assimilation versus contrast. The contrast at times is based on the need to have unique identity or extraversion. However, cultures based on ethnicity and location for the identity has contrasts associated with priming from organizational definitions and the conflicts which arise at a macro-level. The main concept then leads to creating icons out of the culture and expressions that are based on conflict within a community (Mok, Morris, 884: 2009). 7/7 and Changes in Cultural Identity The different complexities with culture and identity also have become a direct factor to the government issues, media and the conflicts which arise in terms of identity. The Muslim and South Asian identity before the events was one which held a segmented viewpoint, where 77% of the population had a strong identity related to location and culture. After the events of 9/11 and 7/7, the changes were based on the concept of religious and cultural fanaticism as well as opposition to the Western governmental structures. At the same time, there is also an understanding that physiological and social needs in the community are divided from the majority population. The sense of identification, from the natural boundaries created in society, then create misunderstandings within the media and consumption from the majority that identifies the South Asian population by changing identity. The 7/7 events were known to heighten the identity of those in the media and government with a sense of terrorism, while changing the structure by taking advantage of the boundaries that was currently in society (Choudhury, 15: 2007). The changes in identity that were noted after 7/7 became affiliated with a mass production of changing the identity of those in the community. The mass production is one which has been traced to the wars in the Middle East in 2001 and 2004, which has led to wars, riots and upheavals in the countries and which are produced as images from the media. The 7/7 events created a similar affiliation with the violence that was within the countries and which created an association with the understanding and representation of conditions. The approach by the media to report conditions; however, was one which became representative of culture and identity. The reproduction of what it means to be Muslim, belong to South Asia and to have a specific philosophy about the government then created a different understanding about the global community. The images were continuous with the 7/7 events and the approach taken to identifying those from South Asia as terrorists (Guney, 168: 2010). The profile created from the mass media is one that is noted to influence the idea of identity and culture among the majority population. In a recent study (Grever et al, 76: 2008), an exploration of several schools was looked into. The exploration included observations and surveys of children as the majority population and of migrants from South Asian states. The history and understanding of the majority population in London was known to be influenced with identifying culture through the events such as 9/11 and 7/7 with specific associations that were related to terrorism and the representation of South Asian minorities. However, migrants that were first or second year students in London didn’t have the same associations with history, culture and events, specifically because of the lack of media awareness from the migration which had occurred. These differences show that the media is one which has changed the sense of identity and culture while creating a different understanding of the history and culture of those from the area, not only in the media, but also in the majority culture and in relation to the main population (Grever et al, 76: 2008). Summary The concepts associated with culture and identity show that there are several dimensions in the creation of social viewpoints. The perspective begins with psychological and individual beliefs. These form behaviours that create a sense of identity among the individual and which naturally associate with others who have the same attitudes and reflections of life. The development of culture and identity is furthered with the communication which creates a sense of integration into society. The integration is one that shows multiculturalism and the acceptance of all nationalities. However, this term becomes coined because of economic, social and belief differences. It is from this basis that internal conflicts within a country arise. When external conflicts become prominent, it furthers the problems that are often overlooked by dividing and separating the social status of those of a different culture. This continues to form with beliefs in smaller groups and reflects as a collective conscious for those in society. 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