Question

Identify a behavior that is considered unusual or abnormal in your own culture; however, it would be considered normal and expected in another culture.

Short answer

A behavior that can be seen as unusual or abnormal in Western culture but is normal and even expected in another culture is loudly slurping while eating. Particularly in Japan, it is considered respectful and a way of appreciating the meal.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Unusual Behavior in Own Culture

Identify one behavior that you perceive as unusual or abnormal according to the expectations and standards of your own culture. For instance, loud public eating may be considered unusual and abnormal in Western cultures.

Identify Culture Where Behavior Is Normal

Choose a culture where the identified behavior is considered normal and expected. This will require a basic understanding of different global cultures. In our example, in some Asian cultures like in Japan, loud slurping while eating noodles, for instance, is quite common and it's consider poor manners not slurping your noodles.

Explain the Reason

Explain why the behavior is seen as normal in the identified culture. This explanation should reflect an understanding of the cultural standards, values, or beliefs that make the behavior normal. With regard to our example, in Japan, the reason people audibly slurp their noodles is because it cools down the hot noodles as they enter your mouth and it also enhances the flavor.

Key concepts

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology focuses on studying and understanding behaviors that deviate from societal norms and could be indicative of mental illness. However, what is deemed 'abnormal' can greatly vary from one culture to another. In Western societies, for example, uttering aloud to oneself in public may be viewed as a symptom of a psychological disorder, whereas in other cultures this could simply signify personal reflection or a spiritual practice.

When considering abnormal behavior, it's essential to recognize the influence of cultural context. A behavior that one culture interprets as a sign of a mental disorder could be perfectly acceptable in another culture due to different belief systems, traditions, or historical practices. Thus, the definition of abnormality is not universal, and psychologists must take into account cultural differences when assessing and diagnosing behavior.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Cross-cultural psychology explores how cultural factors influence human behavior and mental processes. This branch of psychology underscores the importance of considering cultural diversity when interpreting behaviors and psychological phenomena. By comparing and contrasting different cultures, psychologists aim to determine what aspects of behavior are universal and what are culture-specific.

Researchers in this field might investigate how cultural upbringing and environmental factors impact cognitive development, emotion regulation, or social interactions. Understanding these differences is key for effective communication and interaction among people from diverse backgrounds. For instance, eye contact during conversation is generally expected in many Western cultures but might be viewed as disrespectful or confrontational in certain Asian and African cultures.

Cultural Norms

Cultural norms are shared expectations and rules that guide behavior in a group. They are learned through socialization and reinforced by educational institutions, families, and peers. Norms can pertain to various aspects of life, including dress code, social etiquette, and communication styles.

Some behaviors that violate cultural norms, like speaking loudly in a quiet public space, may cause disapproval or social sanctions in one society but might be seen as well within the bounds of acceptable behavior in another. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these norms, especially when interacting with people from cultures different than their own, to avoid misinterpretations or unintended offense.

Understanding these norms not only helps in avoiding social faux pas but also in appreciating the rich diversity of human cultural expressions. For example, the ritualistic dances of indigenous tribes, which may involve elaborate costumes and intense physical movement, might be misinterpreted as chaotic or strange by outsiders. However, within the context of that culture, they are expressions of deep spiritual meanings and community bonds.