PSYC 3800 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Iceberg, Minority Group, Learned Helplessness
21 Jul 2016
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Document Summary
The knowledge, rules, traditions, attitudes, and values that guide behaviour of a group of people and allow them to solve the problems of living in their environment: culture can be compared to an iceberg. Visible signs of culture only reflect a small portion of the differences among them: some psychologists suggest culture defines intelligence. Cautions about interpreting cultural differences: cultural conflicts and compatibilities. When subtle cultural differences meet, misunderstanding and conflicts are common. Conflicts can happen when the values and competencies of the dominant culture are used to determine what is normal or appropriate behaviour in school: dangers in stereotyping. Even positive stereotypes can have a negative input. Acting on stereotypes can reinforce conformity and stifle assertiveness. What groups people perceive themselves as being above or below: socioeconomic status. Relative standing in the society based on income, power, background, and prestige. Most people are not conscious of this designation.
