COM2603
13 May 2022
, Section A:
Question 1
1.1.1 The fact that cultural patterns are shared is a crucial aspect of our concept of culture. A
culture is defined as a collection of individuals. Interactions with various groups of people—
at home, in the neighborhood, at school, in youth groups or at college, help form these
cultural patterns of perceptions and beliefs. Because people who live in and experience the
same social contexts share culture, it becomes a communal experience. (Martin and
Nakayama, 2018) For example, members of a cultural group tend to have similar perceptions
or worldviews, according to Lee, because these worldviews are learned through
conversation with other members of the group.
1.1.2 Another important characteristic of culture is that it is dynamic, or constantly evolving, and
that it may sometimes be a source of conflict between various groups. It is critical to
appreciate that cultural patterns are dynamic and varied, rather than rigid and
homogeneous. It's crucial to realize that not everyone in a cultural group thinks or acts the
same way. (Martin and Nakayama, 2018) For example, Kuhle believes that members of a
cultural group differ, that some individuals have worldviews that are different from those of
their cultural group, and that culture is not static but can change through time.
1.2.1 In order to affirm the other person's cultural identity, we must not only
acknowledge that the other person may have different ideas, perceptions, and attitudes, but
also accept such traits as integral to the other's identity. However, this is often challenging,
especially for members of the majority group. Members of the majority culture frequently
assume that their attitudes, ideas, and behaviors are the norm and that minority members
should conform to them (Martin and Nakayama, 2018). For example, Larry and Harry are
friends. They went to watch a movie over the weekend and when they got to the ticket
booth, Harry realized that he has forgotten his wallet. Larry then offered to pay for him,
which he gratefully excepted. Even though Harry has forgotten his wallet, he ordered the
largest cooldrink and many snacks. Larry was upset because Harry didn’t confirm with him
and just assumed that it would be okay, without saying thank you or offering to pay him
back.
1.2.2 Stereotypes are a technique of categorizing and processing information, but they can
be harmful when they are negative and persistently maintained. These widely held beliefs
and stereotypes can be powerful and long-lasting. Detecting whether you are "thinking
under the influence" (TUI) of preconceptions or stereotypes is one proposal. Keep an eye out
for those who make you feel "different," as this could indicate a negative stereotype or
preconception. (Martin and Nakayama, 2018) For example, an employee of a well-known
and expensive retail company saw a man walking around in the store. The man was poorly
dressed, sweaty and dirty. The employee didn’t want to assist him, as he thought that the
man couldn’t afford anything in their store. Later, another employee helped the man, who
after-all, was a successful farmer who just came from work and was looking for something
beautiful to buy his wife, which he did.
13 May 2022
, Section A:
Question 1
1.1.1 The fact that cultural patterns are shared is a crucial aspect of our concept of culture. A
culture is defined as a collection of individuals. Interactions with various groups of people—
at home, in the neighborhood, at school, in youth groups or at college, help form these
cultural patterns of perceptions and beliefs. Because people who live in and experience the
same social contexts share culture, it becomes a communal experience. (Martin and
Nakayama, 2018) For example, members of a cultural group tend to have similar perceptions
or worldviews, according to Lee, because these worldviews are learned through
conversation with other members of the group.
1.1.2 Another important characteristic of culture is that it is dynamic, or constantly evolving, and
that it may sometimes be a source of conflict between various groups. It is critical to
appreciate that cultural patterns are dynamic and varied, rather than rigid and
homogeneous. It's crucial to realize that not everyone in a cultural group thinks or acts the
same way. (Martin and Nakayama, 2018) For example, Kuhle believes that members of a
cultural group differ, that some individuals have worldviews that are different from those of
their cultural group, and that culture is not static but can change through time.
1.2.1 In order to affirm the other person's cultural identity, we must not only
acknowledge that the other person may have different ideas, perceptions, and attitudes, but
also accept such traits as integral to the other's identity. However, this is often challenging,
especially for members of the majority group. Members of the majority culture frequently
assume that their attitudes, ideas, and behaviors are the norm and that minority members
should conform to them (Martin and Nakayama, 2018). For example, Larry and Harry are
friends. They went to watch a movie over the weekend and when they got to the ticket
booth, Harry realized that he has forgotten his wallet. Larry then offered to pay for him,
which he gratefully excepted. Even though Harry has forgotten his wallet, he ordered the
largest cooldrink and many snacks. Larry was upset because Harry didn’t confirm with him
and just assumed that it would be okay, without saying thank you or offering to pay him
back.
1.2.2 Stereotypes are a technique of categorizing and processing information, but they can
be harmful when they are negative and persistently maintained. These widely held beliefs
and stereotypes can be powerful and long-lasting. Detecting whether you are "thinking
under the influence" (TUI) of preconceptions or stereotypes is one proposal. Keep an eye out
for those who make you feel "different," as this could indicate a negative stereotype or
preconception. (Martin and Nakayama, 2018) For example, an employee of a well-known
and expensive retail company saw a man walking around in the store. The man was poorly
dressed, sweaty and dirty. The employee didn’t want to assist him, as he thought that the
man couldn’t afford anything in their store. Later, another employee helped the man, who
after-all, was a successful farmer who just came from work and was looking for something
beautiful to buy his wife, which he did.
