In the field of psychology, understanding the impact of culture on attitude, identity, and behavior is crucial. The International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus for Higher Level (HL) Psychology places significant emphasis on the cultural origins of behavior and cognition. This study note will delve into various aspects of cultural influences, including key theories, studies, and concepts that are essential for mastering this topic.
Culture refers to the shared values, norms, beliefs, and practices that characterize a group of people. It encompasses various elements such as language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts. Culture shapes the way individuals perceive the world, interact with others, and make decisions.
Note
Culture is not static; it evolves over time and can vary significantly even within the same country or region.
Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms. It is a type of social influence that leads individuals to adopt the behaviors and attitudes of others in a group.
Different cultures have different norms regarding conformity. For example, collectivist cultures, which emphasize group harmony and social cohesion, tend to have higher rates of conformity compared to individualistic cultures, which value personal autonomy and self-expression.
Example
In Japan, a collectivist culture, individuals are more likely to conform to group norms to maintain social harmony. In contrast, in the United States, an individualistic culture, people are more likely to prioritize personal beliefs over group norms.
To investigate conformity as a product of culture.
The study was a meta-analysis comprising 133 studies from 17 countries, representing both collectivist and individualistic cultures, including France, Fiji, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK, and the USA.
To explore how cultural dimensions influence behavior, particularly the pace of life in different cultures.
The study involved observations in large cities across 31 countries.
Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a framework for understanding cultural differences. It includes six dimensions:
Tip
Understanding Hofstede's dimensions can help in analyzing how cultural contexts influence individual behavior and societal norms.
Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn their culture’s norms, values, and behaviors.
Acculturation refers to the process of cultural change and psychological change that results following meeting between cultures.
Acculturative stress refers to the psychological impact of adaptation to a new culture. Berry's model helps in understanding how different acculturation strategies can affect stress levels.
Cultural factors can significantly influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and phobias.
Note
Clinicians must consider cultural background when diagnosing and treating mental health disorders to provide culturally sensitive care.
Common Mistake
A common misconception is to assume that individualistic cultures are inherently better than collectivist cultures. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and cultural relativism helps in appreciating these differences.
Topic Key Studies Culture & Its Influence on Behavior Smith & Bond (1996), Takano & Sogon (2008) Cultural Dimensions Smith & Bond (1996), Levine & Norenzayan (1999)
Understanding cultural influences on attitude, identity, and behavior is fundamental in psychology. Through the study of key theories and research, such as those by Smith & Bond and Levine & Norenzayan, we gain insights into how culture shapes human behavior. Hofstede's cultural dimensions provide a valuable framework for analyzing these influences, while studies on enculturation and acculturation highlight the dynamic processes of cultural learning and adaptation.