This paper is targeted at exploring family life from a cultural angle, based on the findings from face-to-face interviews I plan to conduct with members of various groups of people. Two interviewees were selected: a family member, background culture, traditional upbringing, and cultural framework, and someone of different background, you know, during the interview, an African American individual. The target of the investigation was to identify how their cultural backgrounds affect the family’s role, beliefs, and practices, as well as the dynamics and extent to which they all contribute to the family collectively.
Summary of Responses
The interviewees provided a glimpse into their lives and personalities and shared the value of the family culture. The speaker shared how traditional roles of males and women exhibited themselves in their homes where the father, historically, made essential decisions. At the same time, the mother focused on house chores and child-rearing. Nevertheless, a tendency to choose democratic observations in both parents or either mother or father is integrated into decision-making processes. However, in the primary functions of families, both speakers highlighted the necessity of education and marriage. Education was viewed as an important indicator of success in the future, and the marriage story was significant for cultural preservation and the continuity of the family (Baker, 2020). As I presented, the family view proved old-school; the present society is already more open to such practices as cohabitation and single parenting.
Regarding personal religious views, interviewees mentioned their adherence to specific denominations, considering religion as a source of strength and inspiration for getting through grieving. It was reported that funeral rituals were very important for the family and to alleviate the pain and suffering of the bereaved. Residential status was considered a major priority of the family system and could greatly influence stability and security within transportation in both cultures. Education had a position of honour as it was believed to be one of the ways to achieve personal benefit and life prosperity, as well as to guarantee family welfare.
Effective communication methods in the two cultures looked slightly different, with oral communication being a non-negotiable in both interviews; an African American interviewee mainly made it clear that non-verbal communication, such as gestures and body language, plays a very important role in the communication process (Baugh et al., 2020). The role of the extended family was highlighted by both interviewees, with extended family members playing a significant role in decision-making processes and providing support in times of need.
Grand celebrations in both societies were especially characterized by classical holidays; for them, memory was a source of family unity and cultural lifestyle reinforcement. Social support and mental health awareness were other shared attitudes, though both cultures are much more accepting of psychological therapy and counselling.
Comparison and Contrast
The approaches used by the two participants to the significance of education, family aspirations, religious beliefs, and the birth of extended family were similar to an extent, yet the divergence was remarkable. Through this study, the family members were able to give an account of the gradual change from more masculine roles to more equal gender roles. The other interviewee tended to focus on the nonverbal communication aspect of their African American culture. Considering alternative lifestyles, the participant mentioned an increase in society’s acceptance, apart from the mention that we are already witnessing advancement towards a wider perception towards diverse family forms (Little, 2020). People had different funeral ritual descriptions; for example, the African American interviewee highlighted how these events were organized according to the community culture and spiritual events/aspects with which people connected.
Reflective Conclusion
Each shapes and is shaped by the cultural realms based on the families they come from through various roles. Indeed, households have always seen tradition dictate every aspect of domestic affairs, but with societal changes, the concept of gender roles has moved from being more rigid to an inclusive and egalitarian perception. Cultural ideas and activities encompassing learning, marriage, and spirituality have been sustained and gotten from previous generations as factors that build family ties and help individuals identify with the family. The extent to which the extended family ties in workplace decisions and financial situation management further proves why the family is so important in cultural contexts. In this case, family culture is an important base for self-acceptance and building family ties with different cultural traditions.
References
Baugh, A. D., Vanderbilt, A. A., & Baugh, R. F. (2020). Communication training is inadequate: the role of deception, non-verbal communication, and cultural proficiency. Medical Education Online, 25(1), 1820228.
Baker, D. P. (2020). An inevitable phenomenon: Reflections on the origins and future of worldwide shadow education. European Journal of Education, 55(3).
Little, S. (2020). Whose heritage? What inheritance?: Conceptualizing family language identities. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 23(2), 198-212.
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