Culture and Culture Shock International Agriculture AGED 4713 Fall 2002
Culture n The Norms Beliefs and Customs Learned From Society That Lead to Common Patterns of Behavior n It includes: –Values –Paradigms
Culture n Is a group’s way of life, including the shared system of social meanings, values and relationships that is transmitted between generations
Value n An enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct or end – state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite mode of conduct or end – state of existence.
Paradigm n An example, pattern; especially an outstanding clear or typical example –Ideas –Practices –Customs –Points of view
Attributes of Culture n Language n Religion n Music n Courtesy n Legal systems n Sports n Learned behavior
Culture Shock n The process of emotional responses that a person experiences upon arrival or placement in a new cultural settings –Cultural shock has several stages
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation
n Initial reaction to a voluntary move into a new culture or situation n Reactions –excitement –hope –anticipation –expectations are developed –opportunities are assessed with unrealistic optimism
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety
n New comer becomes apprehensive and disoriented about the change n Reactions –test stereotype –cling to past culture –opportunities are assessed with unrealistic pessimism
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection
n New comer explores ways to nullify the change and return to former culture n Persons forced into new situation involuntary might go directly to this stage
Rejection n Reactions –alienation of self –negative attitude –antisocial behavior –“this can be happening”
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection Regression
n Lowest emotional point during transition. New-comer realized the permanence of the situation n Reactions –submissive –by-pass opportunities for interaction –hopelessness
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection Regression Reentry
n New-comer rediscovers positive aspects of the new situation n Reactions –able to look back and laugh –becomes involved with others in the culture and their activities –one or more opportunities are realized –hope returns
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection Regression Reentry Acceptance
n The person becomes part of the social system and accept his/her role in it n Reactions –development of friendships –emotionally settled –social participation
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection Regression Reentry Acceptance
n The person becomes part of the social system and accept his/her role in it n Reactions –development of friendships –emotionally settled –social participation
Stages of Culture Shock Arrival in new culture Normal behavior Time Elation Anxiety Rejection Regression Reentry Acceptance Affection
n Person develops emotional ties to the culture n Reactions –support and promotion –pride –work to bring improvement
Overcoming culture shock n Do homework: Be prepared ! –Research area, people and customs –Talk to someone who has been there –Be aware that culture shock happens –Make arrangements ahead of time n Enter with an open mind ! n Get involved n Don’t be critical of locals n Realize that you can and will survive
Overcoming culture shock n Understand that was is apparent and what is reality may be very different. n Get to know the locals- don’t remain in isolation n Examine your own social and cultural biases n Don’t make a clean break from your past culture n Continue some activities from your previous culture n Find someone from your previous culture
Reverse culture Shock n Occurs upon reentry into culture of origin. n The person experiences feelings of homelessness n Person became a “citizen” of two cultures
Culture and Culture Shock International Agriculture AGED 4713 Fall 2002