Exploring Cultural Norms Theory: Key Concepts and Theories in Journal Articles
Cultural norms theory is a concept that deals with how societies develop and maintain norms of behavior. These norms may cover various areas of life like religion, politics, social interaction, gender roles, and more. Over the years, scholars from different fields have dedicated their time to research and conduct studies on the subject. In this article, we explore some of the key concepts and theories that have emerged in journal articles relating to cultural norms theory.
Norms and Values
Norms and values are interrelated and affect each other. Norms are unwritten rules and guidelines that dictate how people should behave in a particular context. In contrast, values refer to the importance that society attaches to particular behaviors or ways of life. Sociologist Emile Durkheim was among the first scholars to differentiate between norms and values, and his work is still considered a cornerstone of cultural norms theory.
Culture as a System
Cultural norms theory views society as a complex system, where all cultural elements are interconnected and mutually dependent. If a change occurs in one part of the system, it will impact other parts, and potentially lead to more significant changes. Talcott Parsons, an American sociologist, developed the ‘action frame’ perspective, which argues that individuals in society share a common understanding of actions based on cultural norms, which guides their behavior.
Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism is another central concept in cultural norms theory, which suggests that different societies have different norms which suit their cultural, historical, and environmetal context. For example, different cultures may have different rules for expressing emotions or showing affection. According to cultural relativism, no cultural behavior is inherently wrong or right, but must be evaluated within the context of its own culture. Commonly associated with the ideas of German anthropologist Franz Boas, cultural relativism challenged ethnocentrism, the tendency for people to view other cultures through the lens of their own cultural values and norms.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Communication across cultures is complex and can lead to misunderstandings as each culture has its own norms and values. Scholars have recognized that cultural norms play a significant role in communication. In his book ‘Beyond Culture,’ anthropologist Edward Hall developed the concept of ‘contextual communication’, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in communicative interactions. The concept of “low-context” and “high-context” communication has helped to clarify the ways in which cultures differ in their approaches to communication and negotiation. Understanding cultural norms can help to bridge such differences and facilitate successful communication, both in commercial and personal settings.
Conclusion
Cultural norms theory is a vast field that has informed many aspects of human behavior. Through research in journal articles, scholars have identified numerous key concepts and theories which influence our understanding of cultural norms. The ideas discussed above are a few of the most fundamental concepts, but the nuances and variations of cultural norms is innumerable. In summary, the study of cultural norms is essential for understanding and appreciating other cultures, facilitating cross-cultural communication and negotiation, and developing global awareness.
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