Discussion: HLT 324V Compare and Contrast Cultures Family Interview

Discussion: HLT 324V Compare and Contrast Cultures Family Interview

Discussion: HLT 324V Compare and Contrast Cultures Family Interview

Assessment Description

It is important to identify and understand your own family culture in order to be able to understand and respect other cultures. Interview a family member, and an individual from another culture with which you are unfamiliar. Some examples of an individual from another culture to consider for the assignment include a neighbor, coworker, patient, or friend. Please inform the individuals of the purpose of this assignment and make sure you receive their consent.

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Interviews:

Review the “Family Interview ” template prior to the interview. Additional space is designated on the template for you to create three additional questions to ask both interviewees (family member and person from another culture). Additional questions should be relevant to the readings or discussion and should provide value to the interview by helping to understand culture.

Some of the questions may include:

1. Family beliefs: Have they changed over generations?
2. Educational and occupational status in the culture and in the family
3. Communication methods: verbal and nonverbal
4. Current family goals/priorities
5. Family member roles and organizational systems
6. Spiritual beliefs: current practice and death and dying.
7. Alternative lifestyles
8. Work attitudes and structure

Written Paper:

Using the “Family Interview ” template, interview your designated family member and the person from another culture. Be sure to write your responses in a way that will assist you in writing your paper. After the interview is completed, write a paper of 750-1,000 words that includes the following:

1. An introductory paragraph with the reasons for selecting the interviewees.
2. A summary of the responses from the interview template gathered from the interviewees.
3. A comparison and contrast of your findings between the two interviewees
4. A reflective concluding paragraph on how family roles affect the cultural domains and relationships for each individual.

is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Attachments

HLT-324V-RS-FamilyInterviewTemplate.d

NOTE: THE INTERVIEWS HAVE BEEN DONE (INTERVEW 1 & INTERVIEW 2) AND ARE POSTED HERE BELOLW. PLEASE USE THESE INTERVIEWS TO PREPAFRE THIS ASSIGNMENT. YOU MAY ADD OR MAKES CHANGES TO INTERVIEWS AS NECESSARY TO PREPARE THIS ASSIGNMENT.

INTERVIEW 1

Transcultural Family Interview: Member of the Igbo Ethnic Group/Tribe of Nigeria

Transcultural education is an essential aspect of modern society, as it promotes an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and their values. Through cultural assessment interviews, we can gain insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. To explore and gain an insight into the cultural experiences and perspectives of the Igbo ethnic group/ tribe of Nigeria, I conducted an in person interview with Dr. Chidindu, a prominent member of the Nigerian community in Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul). Dr, Chidindu, is a practicing family physician, and father of two daughters and a son; his son and daughter are also physicians. The Interviewee was informed of the purposes and nature of the interview and has consented.

1. Question: What are your family roles/gender roles? How are they the same or different from those traditionally practiced by your culture (who is the head of the household, who makes decisions, how are decisions made, etc.)?

Answer: In Igbo culture, family roles and gender roles are clearly defined. The head of the household is usually the male, who is responsible for making important decisions. However, this traditional practice may vary among Igbo families, with some embracing more egalitarian roles and decision-making processes. Such modern influences are slowly challenging the traditional gender roles that were once deeply ingrained in Igbo culture.

2. Question: What does your culture and family see as primary family goals (education, marriage, etc.)?

Answer: The primary family goals in Igbo culture are multifaceted, with importance placed on education, marriage, and financial stability. Education is highly valued because it is seen as a pathway to success and better opportunities. Marriage is also considered a fundamental goal; it signifies continuity and the building of new family units. Financial stability is crucial for the overall well-being of the family.

3. Question: What is your culture’s view on alternative lifestyles (living together prior to marriage, domestic partnerships, single parenting, etc.)?

Answer: In Igbo Culture, alternative lifestyles such as living together before marriage, domestic partnerships and single parenting are generally frown upon. The emphasis is placed on maintaining traditional family values which prioritize marriage as the ideal and stable family structure.

4. Question: What are your family’s religious beliefs, and have they changed over generations?

Answer: Religion is deeply embedded in Igbo culture, predominantly through traditional worship and ancestral beliefs. However, over the generations, Christianity has gained prominence and has led to significant changes in religious beliefs within Igbo families. Christianity coexists with traditional religious practices, and younger generations often embrace Christianity. My family and I hold true to Christians’ religious beliefs.

5. Question: What are your family’s spiritual beliefs around death and dying?

Answer: When it comes to death and dying, Igbo culture places great importance on ancestral reverence. The belief in an afterlife and the presence of ancestral spirits shape the cultural customs surrounding death. Funerals are elaborate events, incorporating rituals and ceremonies that honor the deceased and provide closure for the grieving family.

6. Question: What are your culture’s education and occupational status within the family unit?

Answer: In terms of education and occupational status, the family unit plays a central role in encouraging and supporting educational pursuits. Education is seen as a means of social mobility and empowerment. Occupationally, the Igbo society places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, with many Igbo individuals engaged in various business ventures both within Nigeria and internationally.

7. Question: What is your culture’s preferred communication methods (verbal and nonverbal)?

Answer: Verbal and nonverbal communication methods are integral to Igbo culture. Verbal communication relies on clear and direct speech, often incorporating proverbs and idiomatic expressions. Nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures, is also significant in conveying messages and emotions.

8. Question: How has modernization influenced the preservation of traditional Igbo values in your family?

Answer: Modernization has exerted both positive and negative influences on the preservation of traditional Igbo values within families. While it has provided opportunities for exposure to different cultures and ideas, it has also led to some erosion of traditional values. However, many Igbo families strive to strike a balance between embracing modernization and preserving their cultural heritage.

9. Question: Could you share an example of significant family event for ceremony that showcases the merging of Igbo culture and practices with modern elements?

Answer: An example of a significant family event that showcases the merging of Igbo cultural practices with modern elements is the Igbo traditional marriage ceremony. Though still deeply rooted in tradition, modern influences such as the inclusion of Western wedding elements, exchange of gifts, and use of technology for communication and recording have become increasingly common.

10. Question: How do you navigate the balance between maintaining Igbo culture identity and adopting to changes brought about globalization and technology?

Answer: Navigating the balance between maintaining Igbo cultural identity and adapting to changes brought about by globalization and technology can be challenging. Intergenerational conversations and education play a key role in transferring cultural values and traditions. It requires conscious efforts to embrace advancements while ensuring the preservation of cultural roots and the passing on of Igbo heritage to future generations.

In conclusion, transcultural education fosters understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures. Through a cultural assessment interview with a Nigerian family member from the Igbo tribe, we have explored various aspects of Igbo culture and its interactions with modern influences. The exchange of experiences and perspectives promotes a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural heritage, while also highlighting the need to adapt and embrace change in a globalized world.

INTERVIEW 2

Transcultural Family Interview: Member of the Liberian Diaspora

To compare transcultural similarities and differences, I conducted an in person family interview with Mr. J. Kaine, a member of the Libertarian diaspora community in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/ St Paul). Mr. Kaine is married and a father of three daughters ages six to twelve. and he is my younger brother (we share familial and cultural heritage – full disclosure). By profession, Mr. Kaine is a Software Engineer. The interviewee was informed of the purpose of the interview and has consented. Through this interview, we delve into various aspects of Liberian cultural practices and beliefs, highlighting both continuity and adaptation. In this interview. I asked the same questions that I posed to my first interviewee, Dr. Chidindu.

1. Question: What are your family roles/gender roles? How are they the same or different from those traditionally practiced by your culture (who is the head of the household, who makes decisions, how are decisions made, etc.)?

Answer: In terms of family roles and gender roles, Mr. Kaine explains that the Liberian culture holds traditional values where the man is typically considered the head of the household. However, he also emphasizes that decision-making is often a collective effort, where major decisions are made through a consultative process involving all close members of the family (brothers, sisters, mom dad). While traditionally, the head of the household might have held a dominant position, modernization has brought about a shift towards a more egalitarian approach.

Question: What does your culture and family see as primary family goals (education, marriage, etc.)?

Answer: The primary family goals in the Liberian culture are maintaining family unity, education, and marriage. Mr. Kaine explains that education is highly valued as the “means to getting out of poverty” and personal development and upward mobility. Additionally, family unity and solidarity is seen as the glue the holds the family together; marriage is seen as a vital institution for societal stability and the continuation of lineage.

2. Question: What is your culture’s view on alternative lifestyles (living together prior to marriage, domestic partnerships, single parenting, etc.)?

Answer: When discussing alternative lifestyles, such as living together prior to marriage or single parenting, Mr. Kaine admits that there is some degree of social stigma attached to these practices. However, he acknowledges that attitudes have gradually changed among the younger generation, especially so, those in the diaspora community.

3. Question: What are your family’s religious beliefs, and have they changed over generations?

The religious beliefs of Mr. Kaine’s family align with Christianity, specifically Presbyterianism. He reveals that these beliefs have remained consistent over generations and continue to play a significant role in their daily lives.

4. Question: What are your family’s spiritual beliefs around death and dying?

Answer: Concerning spirituality surrounding death and dying, Mr. Kaine explains that his family follows Christian practices, which include mourning rituals, burial ceremonies, and prayers for the deceased. These customs are deeply ingrained within the Liberian culture and provide solace during times of loss.

5. Question: What are your culture’s education and occupational status within the family unit?

Answer: Education and occupational status hold a crucial place within the Liberian family unit. Mr. Kaine emphasizes the importance of education in securing better career prospects and social mobility. Education is not restricted to gender.

6. Question: What is your culture’s preferred communication methods (verbal and nonverbal)?

Answer: Communication methods in the Liberian culture involve a combination of verbal and nonverbal cues. Verbal communication is highly valued and respected, with elders often given the floor to speak. Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures are also vital in conveying meaning.

7. Question: How has modernization influenced the preservation of traditional Liberian values in your family?

Answer: Mr. Kaine notes that modernization has undoubtedly influenced the preservation of traditional Liberian values within his family. While some traditional practices have seen adaptations, the core values and beliefs remain intact, ensuring that the cultural identity is not lost entirely amidst the changes brought about by societal advancements.

8. Could you share an example of significant family event for ceremony that showcases the merging of Liberian culture and practices with modern elements?

Answer: Reflecting on a family event, Mr. Kaine cites weddings as significant occasions that showcase the merging of traditional Liberian practices with modern elements. These events often incorporate traditional attire, music, and cultural dances alongside contemporary wedding customs, reflecting the community’s desire to honor their heritage while embracing change.

9. Question: How do you navigate the balance between maintaining Liberian culture identity and adopting to changes brought about globalization and technology?

Answer: Navigating the balance between maintaining Liberian cultural identity and adapting to globalization and technology can be challenging. Mr. Kaine explains that his family embraces technological advancements while remaining mindful of their heritage. They engage with global ideas and incorporate what aligns with their cultural values, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of tradition and progress.

In conclusion, this interview sheds light on the Liberian culture showcasing their family roles, beliefs, and the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity. It highlights the importance of transcultural education in understanding and respecting diverse cultural practices and fostering cultural dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world.