Culture Schock Essay - 1171 Words

Culture in ancient times was defined as â€Å"the sum total of the equipment of the human individual, which enables him to be attuned to his immediate environment on the historical past on the other†. It reflects in effect what humans have added to Nature. It comprises the spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of a society and includes, in addition to the arts and letters, the value systems, traditions, modes of life and beliefs of the society. It also absorbs from other cultures and undergoes changes with time, sometimes beneficial, sometimes regressive. (Barlas, 15). Culture shock is a severe psychological reaction that results from adjusting to the realities of a society radically different from one’s own. The actual†¦show more content†¦(Marx, 5). In his original article, Oberg lists six main aspects of culture shock: 1. Strain caused by the effort to adapt. 2. Sense of loss and feelings of deprivation in relation to friends, status, prof ession and possessions. 3. Feeling rejected by or rejecting members of the new culture. 4. Confusion in role, values and self-identity. 5. Anxiety and even disgust/anger about foreign practices. 6. Feelings of helplessness, not being able to cope with the new environment. Culture shock in all its diverse form is completely normal and is part of a successful process of adaptation. Oberg also developed a model of adaptation that suggests that going abroad or working internationally put you through or cycle of distinct phases on the way to final adaptations. The first stage is the honeymoon phase, where all encounters in a new place are seen as exciting, positive and stimulating. The new life is viewed as providing endless opportunities and the manager is usually in a state of exhilaration. There is openness and curiosity, combined with a readiness to accept whatever comes. Most importantly, at this stage judgment is reserved and even minor irritations are suppressed in favor of concen trating on the n ice things about the job, the country, the colleagues, the food, etc. In the second phase, culture shock sets in- the manager realizes that something is not quite right. This experience of foreignnessShow MoreRelatedJohn Rawls Justice is Fairness1525 Words   |  7 Pagesphilosopher and a leading figure in moral and political philosophy. John is most known for his book titled: A Theory of Justice published in 1971, the book is now known as one of the primary texts in political philosophy. Rawls received both the Schock Prize for Logic and Philosophy and the National Humanities Medal in 1999. His work in political philosophy starts at a compelling argument that states the most reasonable principles of justice are ones that everyone would accept and agree with. HeRead MoreThe Communist Manifesto Calling On The Workers Of The World2994 Words   |  12 Pagessupport and enhance legitimacy was first discussed in Stephan and Chenoweth’s findings on the success rate of such movements. It is a similar notion highlighted as well by Timothy Ash in that he allows that the significance of religious ideology, culture, and value systems on a broad scale may also influence strategic decisions to either adopt or reject nonviolence. He further uses the example more fit for the Politics of Resistance in the Middle East, of Islam: â€Å"Islam is currently associated in manyRead MoreImmigration to the United States8027 Words   |  33 Pagesimmigration, linked in part, it appears, to economic concerns.† †¢ National Academy of Science study: Smith, James P. Barry Emondston, eds., â€Å"The New Americans: Economic, Demographic, and Fiscal Effects of Immigration† (1997) Biggest Threat: Jobs, Culture or Security? Economic Concerns †¢ By the end of 2012, there were approximately 11.2 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and that number remained constant into 2013 with 11.3 million undocumented immigrants. †¢ Currently, 62 percent