Communication Between Cultures

Summary

• The deep structures of a culture, which include such elements as family (clans),
  state (community), and religion (worldview), are important because they perpetu-
  ate a culture’s most significant beliefs and values. Their messages endure, are
  deeply felt, and help supply much of a culture’s identity.


• Families can take a variety of forms. The two most common are nuclear and
  extended.


• Traditional definitions of“family”are undergoing major changes in the United
  States.


• Globalization and shifting migration patterns in recent years have had major
  impacts on traditional family structures throughout the world.


• Families perform a series of key functions in all cultures. These functions include
  reproduction, economics, socialization, language acquisition, values and religion,
  identity, and communication.


• Cultures, by using the family as a transmitter of the key elements of culture, teach
  genderroles, inculcate views on individualism and collectivism, perpetuate percep-
  tions of aging and the elderly, and develop social skills.

Activities

1. Working with others, discuss the following
   topic: In what ways have globalization and new
   immigration patterns changed families? Have
   these changes been beneficial or detrimental to
   families?


2. Interview someone of a culture different from your
   own using questions about child-rearing practices.
   You might inquire about methods of discipline,
   toys, games, topics discussed at the dinner table,
   and such. During the discussion, share with them
   some“dos”and“don’ts”you were taught in your
   family.


3. Working with others, have each person discuss
   the“stories”that helped form his or her familial
   and cultural identity.
   4. Go to YouTube and search for“Jewish family
   Passover.”View some of the family videos as
   they apply to how family rituals are taught to
   the children who are sharing the religious service
   associated with the Passover dinner.
   5. Working with others, discuss the following ques-
   tions: Are child-rearing practices throughout the
   world more alike than they are different? What
   are the major similarities, and what are the major
   differences?
   6. Go to YouTube and search for“gender stereotypes
   in the media.”After viewing some of the most
   popular videos, try to answer the following ques-
   tions: What cultural themes are repeated in many
   of the videos? How accurate are these themes?

Activities 101

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