Is Cheating Out of Control: Cultural Dimensions in Cheating

Introduction

Culture encompasses various behaviors, practices, and beliefs that define the way people in specific regions engage in activities like dancing, singing, partying, eating, learning, and more. Even within one country, diverse cultures can coexist, each city possibly embracing distinct practices. While some aspects of culture might spark controversy, they continue to shape communities. Unlike genetics, culture cannot be transferred but must be taught or nurtured. Some individuals argue that cheating is also a cultural phenomenon—an assertion I partially agree with. Cheating entails acting dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage, whether in academia or other domains. While culture isn't directly passed down, it is upheld through teachings and support. While nobody explicitly instructs how to cheat, some individuals fail to take action against it. Is cheating out of control? The answer could be yes, no, or maybe. This essay delves into whether cheating could be seen as partially a culture through various scenarios.

Cheating Trends Among International Students

According to Brendan O'Malley's article 'Cheating by International Students Rampant at British Universities' in January 2016, international students are four times more likely to engage in cheating during their academic pursuits. Students from outside the European Union accounted for around 35% of total cheating cases. Despite attempts to curb cheating, these numbers continue to rise, revealing a lack of effectiveness in preventive measures. This issue partly stems from students' previous educational experiences and the leniency towards cheating. For instance, in India, the focus is primarily on preventing cheating during exams, neglecting the importance of proper citation for assignments. The lax attitude towards assignments leads to insufficient efforts to prevent cheating. While Indian educators stress the unethical nature of cheating, their emphasis mainly revolves around copying during exams. This scenario illustrates that while not entirely a cultural norm, elements of it persist. To address this, India's education board should aim to modify its approach to assignments, projects, and essays, which contribute to the cultivation of a fair academic environment.

Cheating Factors and International Students

The article 'Why many international students get a failing grade in academic integrity' prompts recollection of my past experiences in India. The interviewee in the article mentions, 'Back home, we listen to our teachers, and basically mug everything they say. The more you write your answers exactly the way they say it, the better chance you have of getting an A.' In India, teachers underscored that mirroring their words led to higher grades. While citation practices were not taught, nor cheating encouraged, various factors contributed to student practices. Many international students continue cheating due to nearly two decades of unchecked copying in their home countries. However, their behavior incurs severe consequences in international academic settings. This reflects aspects of culture—while educators might not have explicitly promoted cheating, their methods inadvertently did. Different contexts yield different norms. This discrepancy underscores that while cheating might be perceived as unethical in one country, it is tacitly accepted in others as part of their approach to academic activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cheating is a multifaceted issue with tenuous links to culture. While it intersects with cultural factors, it remains distinct. Despite differing interpretations, cheating ultimately constitutes an unfair means of achieving objectives. While cultural nuances can influence behavior, cheating is not a practice that ethical culture supports. Cheating's prevalence in educational institutions, irrespective of cultural influences, highlights a broader concern. Individuals cheat for various reasons, some of which are driven by fear of subpar grades. However, deliberate cheating stems from personal choices rather than cultural norms. It is vital to address cheating through a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, ethics, and accountability.

References

1. O'Malley, Brendan. 'Cheating by International Students Rampant at British Universities, Says Newspaper.' The Chronicle of Higher Education, 7 January 2016. Retrieved from https://www.chronicle.com/article/Cheating-by-International/234904.
2. 'Culture.' Simple English Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture.
3. 'What Is the Definition of Cheating?' Google Search. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+definition+of+cheating&rlz=1C1GCEA_enCA777CA777&oq=wh&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j35i39j0j69i60l2.1657j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.
4. 'Why Many International Students Get a Failing Grade in Academic Integrity.' The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/why-many-international-students-get-a-failing-grade-in-academic-integrity/article4199683/.