The Influence of Cultural Background on Personal Identity

Introduction

The concept of identity is a complex one that requires an understanding of the characteristics that contribute to a person's sense of self and the factors that influence its development. Identity refers to the physical and psychological traits associated with an individual (Bamberg, 2010, p. 4). One crucial factor in shaping identity is culture. People's values and beliefs are largely influenced by local traditions and customs. Cultural background is a significant part of one's identity, encompassing values, languages, religions, ideals, artistic expressions, social relationships, thinking patterns, and behaviors (Vang, 2010, p. 26). Cultural background is shaped by exposure to various expressions of culture throughout one's life. It affects behavioral patterns and attitudes, defining how individuals interact with others and contribute to their overall identity. The cultural diversity of today's societies is a result of human migration, which has made it essential for individuals to develop cultural awareness to effectively communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds (Elfenbein, 2006).

The Role of Cultural Awareness in Research

Cultural awareness plays a crucial role in addressing ethical issues when conducting qualitative research (Howitt, 2013, p. 7). These issues include the effects of prejudice, racial bias, and stereotyping. Qualitative research is characterized by a "caring ethic," which emphasizes the importance of considering different cultural perspectives (Howitt, 2013, p. 7). By avoiding emotional and biased language and creating a culturally safe environment during interviews, researchers can minimize the impact of these issues (Coolican, 2013).

Initial Prompt

Thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview. Our research aims to explore the characteristics that make individuals unique and understand the influence of cultural background on their sense of self. We value diversity and believe that promoting cross-cultural understanding requires us to reduce the effects of prejudice and bias while celebrating individual differences. Through this interview, we hope to gain a better understanding of how your cultural background relates to your identity.

Interview Questions

1. Where were you born? Where were your parents born?
2. How long have you lived in the United States? Do you believe living here is different from living in your country of origin?
3. How would you define culture?
4. When you mentioned culture, you referred to [item 1, item 2, item 3, etc.]. Did you learn about these things within your family?
5. If yes, do you believe it is important for children to know about these traditions?
6. Can you tell me about your family's traditions? Do you think these traditions are specific to your culture?
7. Do you speak English as a second language?
8. If yes, do you also speak your native language? Why/Why not?
9. In your opinion, is it acceptable to express discontent with the actions of others in public?
10. In your opinion, do you consider it disrespectful to kiss in a public place?
11. What are your eating habits? Which meal of the day do you consider the most important?
12. How would you define success? How would you define happiness?
13. How would you define family? How important is family to you?
14. How important is it to respect the elderly?
15. Do you hold any religious views?
16. If yes, what are your religious views?
17. Is religion important in your family?
18. Do you celebrate any holidays specific to your nation?
19. Do you believe men and women have specific roles?
20. If yes, how would you define these roles?
21. Have you personally experienced racism or prejudice?
22. If yes, what is your opinion on racism and prejudice?
23. Do you believe schools should have a multi-cultural curriculum?
24. Why/Why not?

Conclusion Prompt

The development of identity is a complex process influenced by various factors, including culture. Personal identity is shaped through observation and interaction with individuals who hold specific traditions and beliefs. Your responses to this interview will contribute to a better understanding of how culture influences a person's identity. Thank you for your participation, and have a pleasant day.

References

• Bamberg, M. (2010). Who am I? Narration and its contribution to self and identity. Theory Psychology, 21(1), 3-24.
• Coolican, H. (2013). Research methods and statistics in psychology (5th ed.). Abingdon, United Kingdom: Routledge.
• Elfenbein, H. (2006). Learning in emotion judgments: Training and the cross-cultural understanding of facial expressions. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 30(1), 21-36.
• Howitt, D. (2013). Introduction to qualitative methods in psychology (2nd ed.). Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson.
• Vang, C.T. (2010). An Educational Psychology of Methods in Multicultural Education.