The differences between various cultures demand the proper format of cross-cultural communication. Therefore, one’s values further determine one’s behavior, attitude, and core beliefs. Such knowledge is widely employed in cross-cultural psychology to examine one’s culture’s influence on many personal aspects. Overall, it is highly crucial to identify the contrast between several cultures while participating in an international group in any setting, work, or even family.
To begin with, my African-American heritage is a vital driving force in my life. To be more exact, family reunions are significant rituals that assist me in maintaining my heritage even in challenging times. Such gatherings should include older members of the family, keepers of the generation’s African-American legacy. Significant to note that such a tradition has existed from the early times, identifying the collectivist ground of the whole community. In addition, reunions are also considered a time for various discussions, especially related to health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease common among African-Americans.
Furthermore, such gatherings seem more intimidating in the company of elders to me as they can always share their experience and assist in solving severe problems with their advice. Another critical point is that men are primarily responsible for providing the family with money, food, and other necessities. Overall, family is a central value to African-American culture, considering that with only its help, community members managed to endure racism, discrimination, and the violence that was common in the early times. As a result, warm gatherings have become a crucial tradition in our heritage ever since.
Another bright and widely recognized culture to discuss is Italian, famous for its art, food, and music. However, not everyone knows that Italians are also highly patriotic, proud of their nation, and, therefore, value their heritage. The country is perceived as the northern and southern part of it, and as a result, residents of both have entirely different values and traditions. For instance, the northern population is more focused on careers, they share individualistic ideas, and they seem always to be active. The southern residents, on the contrary, find their peace in the family and follow rather collectivistic traditions. In addition, Italians are highly focused on their image and reputation and consequently perceive everyone according to it. Lastly, as for social responsibilities, both female and male Italians work and provide their children with various essentials.
It is evident that both cultures indeed share numerous similarities; however, some values are utterly distinct. In order to contrast both cultures, it is vital to employ Hofstede’s framework of cultural dimensions (Hofstede, 1983). As a result, it can be concluded that the African-American community and the southern Italians follow collectivist traditions while the northern part of Italy is more focused on individualistic ones.
As for gender roles in society, Italians do not share the same views with African Americans that only men should be providers to the family. In addition, according to Clearly Cultural (2021), Italians have a more equal distribution of wealth compared to the African-American population. Overall, based on Hofstede’s theory, one might claim that both cultures have a considerable distinction between their values.
To sum up, having researched the Italian and African/American communities, it can be claimed that these cultures are relatively distinct. To be more exact, the groups have a completely different perception of social and wealth hierarchy. In addition, the northern part of Italy shares not identical ideas regarding family compared to north residents and African Americans as well. It is significant to note that Italians also have distinct views regarding the gender role of an individual in society.
References
Clearly Cultural. (2021). Power distance index – clearly cultural. Web.
Hofstede, G. (1983). Cultural dimensions for project management. International Journal of Project Management, 1(1), 41–48. Web.