Anthrolinguistics how much agency individual have in culture Presenters: Hine Akram Mehak Ali Maryum Zunaira Anum Khalid Presented to: Mam Shazia Ghilzai

introduction What is agency? In social science, agency is the capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices. By contrast, structure  is those factors of influence (such as social class, religion, gender, ethnicity, customs, etc.) that determine or limit an agent and his or her decisions. The relative difference in influences from structure and agency is debated – it is unclear to what extent a person's actions are constrained by social systems.

Continue… One's agency is one's independent capability or ability to act on one's will. This ability is affected by the cognitive belief structure which one has formed through one's experiences, and the perceptions held by the society and the individual, of the structures and circumstances of the environment one is in and the position they are born into. Disagreement on the extent of one's agency often causes conflict between parties, e.g. parents and children.

Feelings of agency Thinkers have only just begun to empirically explore the factors that cause a person to feel as though they are in control — particularly, in control of a physical action. Social psychologist Denial Wegener discusses how an “illusion of control" may cause people to take credit for events that they did not cause. These false judgements of agency occur especially under stress, or when the results of the event were ones that the individual desired.

Continue… From an evolutionary  perspective, the illusion of agency would be beneficial in allowing social animals to predict the actions of others. If one considers him or herself a conscious agent, then the quality of agency would naturally be intuited upon others. As it is possible to deduce another's intentions the assumption of agency allows one to extrapolate from those intentions what actions someone else is likely to perform

Continue… Agency may either be classified as unconscious, involuntary behaviour, or purposeful, goal directed activity (intentional action). An agent typically has some sort of immediate awareness of their physical activity and the goals that the activity is aimed at realizing. In ‘goal directed action’ an agent implements a kind of direct control or guidance over their own behaviour.

Over to.. Mehak Ali

Webster’s Definition of Culture The integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behaviour that depends upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations; The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization; The set of values, conventions, or social practices associated with a particular field, activity, or societal characteristic

Foundation of Culture communication Is culture Culture is communication, communication Is culture

Components of Agency Culture Beliefs: Shared explanations of experience Example: Youth should be treated with respect and dignity. Example: Youth cannot be trusted and youth will always lie. Values: What is considered right and good Example: If it’s youth vs. staff, the decision supports the staff member. If its youth vs. staff, err on the side of believing youth.

Components of Agency Culture Norms: Shared rules, “the way things are done”. Example: Don’t volunteer for assignments. Example: Don’t be late on third shift. Example: Don’t use bad language. Example: Don’t turn in fellow employees that violate rules. Norms are often MORE powerful than formal guidelines.

Over to… Hina Akram

Influences on Culture History: critical events Hiring process: qualities sought, backgrounds objectivity Promotional process Leadership and agency ethics Public opinion

Changing Culture 3 Steps to Culture Change Understand the current culture (the way things are now) Decide what the organizational culture should look like to support success The individuals in the organization must decide to change their behaviour to create the desired culture

Strategies for Changing Agency/Organization Culture Create value and belief statements Practice effective communication Review organizational structure Redesign your approach to rewards and recognition Review all work systems

Strategies for Changing Agency/Organization Culture Idea: change terminology to change culture. “Correctional officer” to “youth leader” or “child care worker”, etc. Youth Care Officers Residential Youth Care Officers

What Are the Strategies for Changing Youth Culture? Change the environment Create an environment in the facility where youth feel safe reporting sexual abuse and are confident their allegations will be investigated. Orient and Educate Youth Teach youth about boundaries, being safe and how to report abuse Empower youth Allow youth to have responsibilities; peer mentors