Iceberg theory

Cultural Diversity
Dr. Johnson
28 January 2014

Assignment 1 – Cultural Iceberg

Casey Roskilly
00113044

Index

Introduction

For assignment 1, in Cultural Diversity studies, we were asked by Dr Johnson to type 8 – 10 pages of information regarding the Culture Iceberg theory. The four main categories we must address are:
The external culture parts,
The internal culture parts,
The misconception about culture
The impact of the family on culture.
The oxford definition of the word Culture says: “the ideas, customs, and social behavior of particular people or a society” In 1976, Edward T. Hall (an American anthropologist) developed the iceberg analogy of culture. He reasoned that if an iceberg is compared to culture, there are some aspects which are visible and can be seen (above the water), and a larger aspect which is hidden beneath the surface (below the water).
External Culture

The external parts of a culture are what you see, it can be compared to the parts of an iceberg that stick out of the water and are viable to us. External parts of a culture are those which are often encountered first when emerging into a new country or culture. Therefore we can say that the external characteristics of a culture set the first impression for people from different cultures.
External Culture parts include:
1. Architecture – Through architecture it's possible to interrupt many things about a culture, such as lifestyle, artistic sensibilities and social structure. Seeing the cultural differences in architecture is so easy, if we think of Egypt we think of their great pyramids where as if we think of India we think of the Tahj Mahal. The differences are very distinct.
2. Food – The way in which food is prepared is different within cultures, there are traditions within cultures that get carried from generation to generation. The food which is known as a cultures specialty is often determined by the most available crop in the country.
3. Art - Art is a way of communicating beliefs and expressing ideas in every region of the world. Art is a universal language it can provide insight into past and existing cultures, helping us to understand how others have lived and what they valued.
4. Music - Cultures all around the world are known for bringing out their own unique style for music. Some of the most known cultures of music are: Hip-hop, reggae, Rock, beach, jazz, and blues.
5. Dance – Dance is another art which is a common language between different cultures. Cultural dances have been developed over the years and generations continue the traditions in order to bring about unite. Examples of cultural dances include: Dance from down under, movements of India and the folk dance.
6. Religious practices – A group of people with the same beliefs and morals. Religious practices are often influenced by family members or the community.
7. Types of dress – Every culture has a different style of clothing as each culture has different ethnical views on what is appropriate. The different types of dress help people to distinguish between different cultures allowing then to treat people with the right customs and respect.
8. Language or greetings – Different cultures originate from different parts of the world, where languages differ. The greeting ritual differs from culture to culture as we all have different customs and comfort zones.

You can also get an idea about someone’s culture according to how they interact with people, for example, kissing as they greet others, shaking hands, queuing, holding eye contact or hand/facial gestures.

Internal Culture

The Iceberg Model focuses attention on the hidden aspects of culture, that can not be so easily perceived. The section of the iceberg which is under the water is much larger than the section above the water. The given estimation of 10% of a culture is visible while 90% of a culture is only discovered after proper analysis. This is why when we meet someone from a different culture, it is important to not only judge them on what we see, but to take time to understand their beliefs and core values. Different cultural groups share some similar core values such as honesty, respect or family, but these are often interpreted differently in different situations and cultures. Internal parts which are different within different cultures include:
1. World views – Different cultures have different concepts about the world. Some cultures are positive about the world around them and support the environment whereas others perceive the world negatively.
2. Gender roles - In the past in many cultures, women were encouraged to be housebound, domestically-talented and decorative people. They had little respect in the working environment and gender equality was unheard of. Slowly as time has gone by, China has grown to believe that “women hold up half the sky”. Women are now given the opportunity to work and in some companies they are even seen as equals to men. This all said, even though women of now just as much bread winners as men, they still have the responsibility to clean, cook and look after children as men often still expect that from women.
3. Etiquette - What is excellent etiquette in one society may shock another. Eating while standing may be seen as insulting to the host and shows a lack of respect for the scarcity of food. In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a plate without first offering it to others at the table is insulting the host's generosity. Traditionally, if guests do not have leftover food at the end of a meal, it dishonorable to the host, where as in America a guest is expected to eat all of the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking.
4. Social rules – In different cultures and also depending on family dynamics, social rules differ. The way they interact with people, what topics of conversation are acceptable, how young a woman is allowed to marry are all predicted by social rules set by a culture.
5. The importance of time – In the Western world, time is perceived as money. It must be “spent” wisely. Whereas other culture, use their time not to make money, but to enjoy the pleasures of life
6. the concepts of one’s self - Western cultures place particular importance on independence and the expression of one's own attributes. Asian cultures, however, favor an interdependent view of the self. Interpersonal relationships are more important than one’s individual accomplishments, and individuals experience a sense of oneness with the group.
Misconceptions about culture

Without knowing the ins and outs of different cultures it becomes easier to have misconceptions of what the culture is about. This brings about stereotyping. There are 3 main misconceptions about culture. They are:
1. Culture is based on nationality
2. Some cultures are more involved than others
3. Globalization is causing us to lose diversity of cultures.

1. The culture we belong to has nothing to do with where we live. Due to new technology such as aeroplanes and the ability to immigrate to other countries easily, all countries share a diverse group of cultures. Culture is rather based on people you share common beliefs and values with, work experience, socio-economical experience, life experiences and religious faith.

2. It’s our inability to understand things from other culture’s perspectives that may cause us to judge another cultures as cruel, stupid, antiquated, or naïve. We need to remember that many cultures were developed a long time ago therefore some cultures will adapt better to environmental changes than others. This does not mean that any culture is better than another.

3. Even though people can easily immigrate to new countries and it is quick and easy to communicate over a far distance using the internet. Cultures still hold strong to their belief and customs. Until such time as we all speak the same language, go to the same schools, share the same history, have the same laws, policies, and holidays, we will continue to be unique.
Three tips on how to break away from cultural misconceptions:
1. Identify Stereotypes: Become aware of what is and isn’t a stereotype. Monitor your thoughts when you hear an ethnic last name, see a skin color, hear an accent, see a disability, learn that a person is gay as every culture has unique people.

2. Look for Consistency: You must not treat people from different cultures differently otherwise you are stereotyping. You must react and treat all people the same, even before you have gotten to know they character, skills or personality.

3. Push Stereotypes Aside: Inform other people of stereotypes of other cultures. When you see someone else or find yourself stereotyping, do all you can to practice treating everyone equally.
The impact of the family on culture

From a young age parents play the most vital role in a child’s life. Children idolize what their parents do, say and how they act, as often children want to grow up and be just like their parents. Parents influence children's development through the relationships they build with them, the activities in which they include them in and their manner of showing affection and discipline. Parents will teach their children their ways, beliefs, mannerisms, what is appropriate within their culture. They will send them to church to follow the chosen religion for the culture.
Parenting ways are affected by cultural influences. Cultures set goals and expectations that parents are encouraged to respect and raise their children accordingly.
1. Discipline: The way parents choose to discipline their children after misbehaving or not following the rules set out for them differs between different cultures. The attitude toward physical punishment varies significantly among ethnic groups. 2. Independence and self-esteem: The parenting style according to independence differs between cultures as well. Some parents prefer their children to have self-expression, confidence and the ability to do tasks on their own from a young age. They give their children a lot of freedom to have self-discovery. These are generally the European and US parents. On the other hand, some parents prefer to support their children and guide them in everything they do. They are big on obedience. This is generally the Chinese’s parents.

3. Warmth: In different cultures love and affection is seen as either good parenting traits or bad parenting traits. Love and care is often replaced with obedience and control. This causes children to grow up with different mind-sets when it comes to showing care towards others. Some will hug and touch other people while others will just verbally expression their feelings.
No parenting style or culture is right or wrong, it’s just different ways of living. Often the parents come from different cultures, it is then necessary for the parents to find a mutual agreement to combine the beliefs and ways of the different cultures.
Conclusion

In conclusion, I can say that it is important to get to know different cultures thoroughly before judging them. There are many factors that play a role in the structure of a culture. It is important to never stereotype and to respect everyone whether they follow your beliefs or not. Cultures share many common aspects such as the wanting to be accepted, praise for good effort and fair opportunities. When travelling the world, do your best to fit in to the general culture as a sign of respect and effort.

Reference

Cultural Kinetics (2013) external and internal culture [online] Available at: http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&sqi=2&ved=0CGcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fculturalkinetics.wordpress.com%2F2013%2F04%2F09%2Fculture-an-iceberg-analogy%2F&ei=-wDoUuz6DIiohAf2u4DwBw&usg=AFQjCNG_zEhLkPrhxAkBMHcCK-LuczzMjw [accessed: 27 Jan 2014]

Oxford Dictionary (2011) culture [online] available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/culture [accessed: 27 Jan 2014]

Language and Culture (2012) [ONLINE] available at: http://www.languageandculture.com/cultural-iceberg [accessed: 28 Jan 2014]

Cultural dances by Tamara Warta (2012) [online] Available at: http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Cultural_Dances [accessed: 28 Jan 2014]

Navigating culture Posted by Rebecca Parrilla [online] Available at: http://navigatingcultures.com/blog/?p=870 [accessed: 28 Jan 2014]

Global post by Angeliki Coconi and Demand Media (2010) cultural influences on parenting [online] Available at: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/cultural-influences-parenting-2398.html [accessed on: 29 Jan 2014]