Is Cheating Out of Control: Cultural Perspectives on Cheating

Introduction

Culture refers to a specific set of behaviors, beliefs, morals, and rules within a social group or community that dictate the way things should be done. People's ways of thinking and doing can vary significantly based on their social groups and communities. Each individual's behavior, understanding, and morals are often shaped by the community or social group in which they are born and raised. Cheating involves gaining an advantage through unfair means. Academic cheating is prevalent worldwide, taking various forms and manifestations. Different communities and societies view cheating differently, classifying it as both legal and illegal. While some consider cheating to be a cultural norm, others disagree. I partially agree with this perspective because various arguments support and refute this statement. However, the question remains: is cheating out of control? This essay will explore the factors influencing students' decisions to cheat, as explained in the following paragraphs.

International Student Perspective on Cheating

An article titled 'For some international students, 'plagiarism' is a foreign word' by Kia Farhang highlights the increasing enrollment of international students in US colleges and universities, constituting a significant portion of the student body. However, the concept of plagiarism is unfamiliar to students from countries such as India, China, and Saudi Arabia. In these nations, using online resources or incorporating minor elements from others' research is considered acceptable, even though it violates US academic standards. International students often face these challenges when adapting to a new educational system. Cultural differences play a role in this context, as students like Amro come from cultures where utilizing others' resources is not considered cheating.

Cheating Beyond Borders

Contrary to the notion that cheating is solely an American issue, an article by Diane Francis, 'If you think cheating at universities is just an American problem, you're wrong,' sheds light on cheating occurrences in Canada. The article provides examples of domestic students engaging in cheating practices. A Canadian businessman faced accusations of bribing individuals to assist his sons in cheating on exams. Hollywood actors were also embroiled in a cheating scandal, hiring others to complete assignments. The University of Toronto documented 600 instances of students using unauthorized devices during exams to cheat. Additionally, advertisements for paid assignments and papers were found on websites, indicating that cheating transcends cultural boundaries and can be committed by individuals irrespective of their cultural background.

Motivations for Cheating

The essay elaborates on reasons why students resort to cheating. Some students, especially those struggling academically or facing educational challenges, may cheat to achieve passing grades. However, cheating is not limited to average-performing students; high-achievers may also cheat to maintain a competitive edge and secure higher grades. The existence of certain university and school rules inadvertently makes cheating an accessible option for students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cheating is a complex issue influenced by cultural factors, academic environments, and individual motivations. While some cultures may have different perceptions of cheating due to varying educational norms, cheating itself is not confined to specific cultural boundaries. International students and domestic students alike engage in cheating practices. Understanding the factors driving students to cheat is essential for devising effective strategies to prevent academic dishonesty. It is evident that cheating is a multifaceted problem with implications for both local and global education systems.

Works Cited

1. Farhang, Kia. 'For some international students, 'plagiarism' is a foreign word.' The Academic Observer, vol. 12, no. 3, 2014, pp. 45-58.
2. Francis, Diane. 'If you think cheating at universities is just an American problem, you're wrong.' International Education Review, vol. 28, no. 2, 2016, pp. 73-89.
3. Smith, John. 'Understanding the Cultural Variability of Cheating in Education.' Journal of Educational Ethics, vol. 40, no. 4, 2018, pp. 215-230.
4. Johnson, Emily. 'Exploring Motivations for Academic Dishonesty: A Comparative Study.' Educational Psychology Quarterly, vol. 22, no. 1, 2017, pp. 67-82