Becoming Human The Process of Enculturation

Cultural Learning  Think about your culture…  How did you learn it?  What can you remember about learning it?  Enculturation = the process by which culture is passed from one generation to the next

Cultural Learning  Think about your culture…  How did you learn it?  What can you remember about learning it?  Enculturation = the process by which culture is passed from one generation to the next  How powerful / important is it?  

Cultural Differences  Naming Practices  Bolivia – Name child once they can speak  Ghana – Name based on day of the week you are born, Christian name once you go to school (prestige)  Bali – First born = Wayan, Second = Made, Third = Nyoman, Fourth = Ketut. Then repeat  America = ?  Blank slate! You are a unique individual 

Cultural Differences  Values  Lullabies  Kenyan – Family values, togetherness  American – Go to sleep and be quiet  “Hush little baby…”  Dependence vs. Independence training Dependence Training Contact over 70% of the time Sleep with family Emphasize cooperation Independence Training Contact about 20% of the time Sleep alone Emphasize competition Where does our culture fit?

Sex vs. Gender  Sex = biological  XX (female) or XY (male)  Note however that about 50,000 Americans are neither “male” nor “female”  Gender = cultural meanings assigned to the biological differences between males and females  Ex. Homosexuality in the Philippines

Gender Roles  “Genderlects”  Are men and women different cultures?  

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Notecard Time!  Are women and men two different cultures?  Yes – So then how should we communicate with each other?  No – Defend your position!