Crosscultural Teaching -- Values

Summary

The transcript discusses a framework by Kluckhohn that explores five core values shaping human identities across cultures. These values include differing views on human nature, the relationship with nature, the perception of time, activity preferences, and relationships among people. Human nature can be seen as inherently evil, good, or a mix, and cultures also differ in how they view nature (as something to master, live with, or be at the mercy of). Time orientation varies between past, present, or future focus, and cultural views on activity range from 'being' to 'doing.' Finally, relationships are defined by lineal, collateral, or individualistic approaches, with the U.S. aligning with future orientation, mastery over nature, doing, and individualism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hofstede's framework includes five basic cultural values that shape individual and collective identities.
• 😀 The first value, human nature, suggests that cultures can perceive human nature as evil, a mixture of good and evil, or basically good.
• 😀 The second value explores the relationship of people to nature, with views ranging from being at the mercy of nature to mastering it, with the US leaning toward mastery.
• 😀 Time orientation is another key value, with cultures being past-oriented, present-oriented, or future-oriented. The US tends to be future-oriented.
• 😀 A person’s perspective on time can vary, as seen in the example of a Colombian professor who values living in the present.
• 😀 The value of activity orientation varies, with cultures either valuing 'being', 'becoming', or 'doing'. The US tends to prioritize 'doing'.
• 😀 Cultures may also differ in how they view relationships, with categories including lineal (hierarchical), collateral (equal), and individualistic relationships.
• 😀 The US tends to fall into the individualistic category, where people have control over their own lives and are seen as equal.
• 😀 Hofstede’s cultural values are deeply ingrained and often shape our identities without our conscious awareness.
• 😀 These cultural values are essential tools for understanding cultural differences, especially in educational settings, and how they affect interactions and conflicts.

Q & A

What are the five basic values in Cluck Hone's framework, and how do they shape culture?

Cluck Hone's framework includes five basic values: 1) Human Nature, 2) Relationship to Nature, 3) Time, 4) Activity, and 5) Relationships Among People. These values shape culture by influencing beliefs about human nature, people's connection with the environment, views on time, the role of activity in life, and social structures.

What are the three perspectives on human nature described in the script?

The three perspectives on human nature are: 1) Human nature is basically evil, 2) Human nature is a mixture of good and evil or neutral, and 3) Human nature is inherently good. These perspectives influence how people view trust, behavior, and the potential for change in individuals.

How does the relationship between humans and nature vary across cultures?

Cultural views on the relationship between humans and nature can be categorized into three: 1) Fatalism, where people believe they are at the mercy of nature; 2) Harmony, where people believe they should live in harmony with nature; and 3) Mastery, where people believe they can control or conquer nature. The US generally holds the 'Mastery' viewpoint.

What does the concept of time represent in different cultures?

Cultures can be past-oriented, present-oriented, or future-oriented. Past-oriented cultures revere tradition and historical practices. Present-oriented cultures focus on enjoying the current moment. Future-oriented cultures prioritize progress and believe that the future will be better than the present.

How do past-oriented, present-oriented, and future-oriented cultures view time?

Past-oriented cultures value tradition and history, often believing that the past holds the best way to live. Present-oriented cultures emphasize living in the moment, focusing on current happiness and experience. Future-oriented cultures believe in change, progress, and that the future holds more promise than the present.

How does the belief in activity differ across cultures?

Cultures can view activity in three ways: 1) Being, where personal identity is more important than actions; 2) Being leading to growth, where personal development is emphasized but action is secondary; and 3) Doing, where one's identity is defined by actions, tasks, and accomplishments. The US generally emphasizes doing over being.

What is the role of relationships among people in different cultures?

Cultural perspectives on relationships among people include: 1) Lineal relationships, where authority is based on hierarchical position; 2) Collateral relationships, where equality and discussion are key to decision-making; and 3) Individualism, where individuals control their own lives and everyone is treated equally.

What cultural view does the United States generally align with regarding mastery over nature?

The United States generally aligns with the view of mastery over nature, where humans believe they can control or overcome most aspects of the natural world.

How does the professor from Colombia's viewpoint about happiness reflect his cultural orientation?

The professor from Colombia's viewpoint reflects a present-oriented cultural perspective. He believes in being happy in the present moment, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Why is understanding cultural values important in the context of teaching or working with students from different backgrounds?

Understanding cultural values is crucial as these deeply held beliefs shape identities and behaviors, influencing how individuals interact with the world and others. This knowledge can improve communication, foster empathy, and reduce conflicts in cross-cultural interactions, especially in educational settings.