Introduction
Familial culture encompasses various aspects such as traditions, beliefs, values, and some others. It always depends on a community in which a family exists. Such factors as a religion and socioeconomic situation significantly affect familial culture. Younger generations learn from the older ones, thus such a culture can be passed. The main goal of this paper is to discuss the effect of familial cultures and values on individuals’ identities.
Discussion
Culture is a complex term that relates to different attributes of a particular community such as language, traditions, values, and beliefs. Culture is one of the most important factors that influence people (Bageant 38). However, parents play a crucial role in shaping the identity of individuals. The majority of people spend most of their time with family. There are different ways of interaction through which individuals influence each other. The more a person communicates with people, the greater impact they have on the person (Gabler 53). This effect might be both positive and negative. Nurture is the main influencing factor. As humans grow and develop, nurture changes their behaviors and attitudes. Family members are the most influential people as they are the first with whom an individual come into contact. Also, humans are usually more open to the influence of their family. For example, I am from Cuba, and most of my preferences formed when I grew up. I like traditional Cuban music such as timba, rumba, and mambo. Also, I prefer Cuban cuisine. I use a traditional cooking style that is called Criollo.
The impact of a family on a person affects their choice. However, the older an individual becomes, the more they rely on their friends, colleagues, or other people who surround them. Therefore, the influence of a family becomes less significant over time (Ihedigbo 61). When a person reaches adolescence, they start experimenting with their identities. Usually, it manifests itself in acting up. A person tries to do things in a different way than their parents. For example, Bageant quit hunting, although his father was a hunter (Bageant 38). However, it depends on the rules established in a particular family. Also, the people’s culture determines their values and thus behaviors (Kaur 53). For example, in some cultures, children have to choose their parents’ profession to continue a family business. Often parents insist that children have to do things in a way that they are told. However eventually, such an impact let new adults develop their ideas and become more independent.
Also, family interactions influence an emotional condition of a person. For example, Shteyngart states that he is a son of his parents, referring to his dignity and fears (Shteyngart 57). The significance of such an impact cannot be overestimated. It determines a person’s beliefs, traits, and behavioral patterns as young people always try to imitate the elders. For example, the role of women in the Cuban society is different from the same role in the United States. However, my opinion about this matter is based on traditional attitudes. As women are physically weaker, they need more support from men. Another example is religion. As the majority of Cubans are Catholics, I became one as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enculturation is one of the most important processes that allow people to learn the requirements of their culture. It is necessary to understand which behaviors are appropriate in a given community. Also, it forms a person’s habits and skills. Therefore, enculturation is the main factor that shapes a person.
Works Cited
Bageant, Joe. “Valley of the Gun.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, Pearson, 2017, pp. 38-43.
Gabler, Neal. “The Social Networks.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, Pearson, 2017, pp. 53-57.
Ihedigbo, Rose. “Sandals in the Snow.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, Pearson, 2017, pp. 61-68.
Kaur, Meeta. “Journey by Inner Light.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, Pearson, 2017, pp. 43-53.
Shteyngart, Gary. “Sixty-Nine Cents.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, Pearson, 2017, pp. 57-61.