Consider the social constructionist perspective. How do we build worlds through communication? Think of some ideas we talk about in our culture that may not exist in other cultures. How do these concepts continue to our happiness or success in our culture?
As defined in our text a social constructionist model is "a process whereby people in group, using the tools provided by their culture, create collective representation of reality.” When we respond to one another we play off each other’s reaction and therefore begin communication. A simple nod or a simple answer as yes can be received differently.
In different cultures such as Korean cultures it is always most respectful to answer directly and being precise to your answers, not beating around the bush; however it may be ok to just nod or in other cultures. Growing up I learned the hard way with my parents on what was right and what was wrong, especially during arguments there was a bit of culture clash since, they were from South Korea and I was born here. The certain holidays, and the way we are supposed to act towards elders, totally different from America where it is a little more liberal. Even looking my mother straight in the eye can mean disrespect whereas here it may mean you are making eye contact for the better.
Everyone comes from a different background and through their self experiences from trying again and again can improve our social constructions. Through enhancing our skills through this model we meet new people everyday and manage to look beyond the stereotypes and learn different symbols that help us mold who we are and how we communicate. It can help us understand each other more accurately and reveal the “truth” not the illusion.
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Hi Msesther!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post this week. I really like the way you first defined the term "Social Contructionist Perspective" because it can be a little hard to remember what it means. I also liked the way you used the example of the Korean culture and their customs. Also how respecting your elders is considered really important in Korean cultures. I also thought it was interesting and informative how looking straight n your mother's eyes can be a sign of disrespect. I enjoyed reading your post this week. Great job Msesther!
I agree that the social constructionist idea of communication takes into account the different cultural traditions and how they can sometimes conflict. I too have parents from different cultural backgrounds and being able to adjust from those to american values can often be difficult. Finding appropriate ways of communicating in each has given me insight into how much of our culture defines us. Up until college i felt that because of the woman's roles in my home, and in my ethnic culture i should be passive. I felt inhibited, and once I reached college, I embraced the idea of speaking up, and having a voice. I guess you can say i improved my own social constructions.
ReplyDeleteHi msesther,
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about eye contact is very interesting and I really think it helped to prove your point. Where is Korea it may be a sign of disrespect to look your mother in the eye when you are speaking to her, here it is a sign of disrespect. My mother has told me from a young age to look her(and anyone I would talk to) in the eyes when speaking. She would tell me it was disrespectful not to.
Our backgrounds help us in how we communicate . We tend to stick to the teachings of our cultures, although we may grow and find our own way of communicating late in life, as dtblog did.
Good blogging!
ImaginePeace