Overview
This lecture explains the foundations of culture and identity, examining how cultural, social, and personal identities are developed, and why understanding differences among groups matters in communication.
Defining Culture and Identity
- Culture is the ongoing negotiation of learned and patterned beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors.
- Culture is dynamic, learned, patterned, and influences beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors.
- Our identities are shaped by socializing institutions such as family, school, peers, and media.
Types of Identities
- Personal identities are intrapersonal and based on individual experiences and interests.
- Social identities originate from membership and involvement in social groups.
- Cultural identities are based on deep-rooted categories that teach ways of being and acting, often from birth.
- Identities can be ascribed (given by others) or avowed (claimed by oneself).
Salience and Social Dynamics
- Identity salience is how aware we are of our identities in different contexts.
- Dominant identities have historically had more resources and influence.
- Non-dominant identities have historically had less power and face more discrimination.
Identity Development
- Nondominant identity development: unexamined identity, conformity, resistance/separation, and integration.
- Dominant identity development: unexamined identity, acceptance, resistance, redefinition, and integration.
- Both dominant and non-dominant identities intersect and influence self-concept and group belonging.
Why Difference Matters
- Differences are socially significant and can cause communication challenges.
- Group memberships become in-groups and out-groups, leading to stereotyping.
- Demographic changes increase the visibility and importance of various identities.
- Obstacles to valuing difference include privilege, oppression, and lack of awareness.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Culture — Ongoing negotiation of learned and patterned beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors.
- Personal identities — Self-aspects tied to individual experiences.
- Social identities — Self-aspects from group memberships.
- Cultural identities — Identities shaped by societal categories and behavioral expectations.
- Acculturation — Learning and using codes recognized by group members.
- Ascribed identities — Identities assigned by others.
- Avowed identities — Identities we claim for ourselves.
- Salience — Degree of identity awareness.
- Dominant identities — Groups with greater resources and influence.
- Non-dominant identities — Groups with less power and resources.
- Racism — Belief in racial superiority causing discrimination.
- Sexism — Discrimination based on sex.
- Heterosexism — Bias/discrimination favoring heterosexual norms.
- Ableism — System favoring physical/mental norms and disadvantaging others.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on your own personal, social, and cultural identities.
- Consider how salience and group dynamics affect your communication.
- Prepare for further discussion on intercultural communication competence.