Culture & the Self-Concept

Posted: April 4th, 2019

Discussion Instructions

2 questions posed for self. At least 200 words. The student must then post two replies of at least 100 words will be provided at initial post. For each thread, you must support your answers to the first question with at least 2 unique academic citations in APA format, and your answers to the second question with at least 2 unique Scripture verses in APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, etc.

Textbooks used:

Chadee, D. (2022). Theories in social psychology (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 9781119627883.

Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2021). Social psychology (11th ed). Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9780357122846

· Culture & the Self-Concept
Question 1: I want you to think about culture and self-concept. How has your culture affected your self-concept? Within that same culture you just described, are some people more individualistic than others? Are people more collectivistic in some situations than in others?

Question 2: What biblical principle(s) apply in the above scenario?

· Mob Scenes & Deindividuation
Question 1: Large diffuse crowds often turn to violence and property damage. One explanation of this phenomenon offered in the book is that in a crowd, people experience a sense of deindividuation—a sense that they are not accountable for their own actions—and it is this deindividuation that accounts for the violent turn of events. Yet many large diffuse crowds rarely if ever turn violent—like the crowds going to work in most large cities. What makes some crowds turn violent while others don’t? List several explanations for this discrepancy.

Question 2: What biblical principle(s) apply in the above scenario?

· Driving While Hostile
Question 1: In a survey cited in the journal New Scientist (Byrne, 2000), one-sixth of drivers who described themselves as generally being mild-mannered in temperament admitted to often feeling angry when behind the wheel of their vehicles.
In what ways does driving in traffic differ from walking on a crowded sidewalk? What social-psychological factors might account for automobiles provoking negative emotions?

Question 2: What biblical principle(s) apply in the above scenario?

_____________________
Culture & the Self-Concept

Question 1:
Culture plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s self-concept, which refers to the beliefs, attitudes, and evaluations one holds about oneself. My culture has influenced my self-concept in various ways. For instance, growing up in a collectivistic culture where family and community ties are highly valued, I have developed a strong sense of interconnectedness and interdependence. I prioritize harmonious relationships, cooperation, and group goals over personal achievements. This emphasis on collectivism has shaped my self-concept to view myself as an integral part of a larger social unit, and my identity is closely linked to my roles and responsibilities within my family and community.

Within my culture, there are variations in individualism and collectivism. Some individuals exhibit more individualistic tendencies, emphasizing personal goals, independence, and self-expression. They may prioritize personal achievements and aspirations over group goals. On the other hand, others may exhibit stronger collectivistic tendencies, emphasizing communal harmony, interdependence, and conformity to social norms. These variations can be influenced by factors such as upbringing, education, and exposure to different cultures or subcultures within the broader cultural context.

Moreover, people’s levels of individualism or collectivism can also vary depending on the situational context. In certain situations that highlight personal achievements or independence, individuals from collectivistic cultures may exhibit more individualistic behavior. Conversely, in situations that emphasize group cohesion or social harmony, individuals from individualistic cultures may demonstrate more collectivistic behavior (Markus & Kitayama, 1991).

Question 2:
In the context of the influence of culture on self-concept, the biblical principle of unity and diversity applies. The Bible emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ while recognizing their diverse backgrounds and cultural contexts. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (New International Version), it is stated, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

This verse highlights the unity of believers despite their cultural differences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity within the collective body of Christ. It encourages individuals to embrace their cultural backgrounds and identities while also promoting mutual respect and cooperation. This principle aligns with the notion that cultural variations in self-concept exist within a broader context of shared humanity and the potential for collective unity.

References:
Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224-253.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14. New International Version.