. Environmental Context

. How we see the physical world around us is influenced by our individual psychological perceptions, which, in turn, are shaped by culture.

. Information Load Information rate: the amount of information contained or perceived in the environment per some unit of time. High load – Uncertain, complex, dense, random, improbable Low load – Certain, simple, sparse, patterned, probable

. Information load affects feelings in three ways: – Arousal-nonarousal – Pleasure-displeasure – Dominance-submissiveness Environments and Information Load

. Culture and the Natural Environment The natural, or terrestrial, environment Some aspects of the terrestrial environment exist in every culture while others do not The natural environment of any culture influences life in that culture.

. Worldviews of the Natural Environment Omnipotent nature Harmony with nature Controlling nature

. Natural Disasters as Cultural and Social Events How people manage disaster is shaped by the culture and its view of nature. One model of human responses to natural disasters segregates cultures into three types – folk or preindustrial – Transitional – industrial

. Adaptations to the terrestrial environment Ex. Architecture, housing, landscaping, etc. Changes natural patterns of behavior, including communication. Usually created to serve a function, but can be purely aesthetic. Reflection of the values, motivations, and resources of the culture. The Built Environment

. The Built Environment: Layout Patterns Fixed-feature space Semi-fixed feature space Informal space

. Japanese Housing Shoji or fusuma Yuka Tatami mats Tokonoma Important rooms: kitchen and bathroom.

. American Navajo Housing Hogan – Space used differently based on sex Ramada – Space and division of labor not divided based on sex

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. Marakwet Housing Kor Use of the home differs depending on sex. Disposal of refuse: – Ash – Animal dung – chaff

. Privacy Solitude Isolation Intimacy – With family – With friends Anonymity Reserve

. Cross-Cultural Variations on Privacy China Turkey Java Morocco

. Online Privacy and Continuum Connections Individualism—collectivism High power distance—low power distance

. Time Orientation Monochronic orientation Polychronic orientation Time orientation influences: – Scheduling – Housing space – Business practices