Cultural Identity And Values Through The Reflection Of Intercultural Communication

In order to satisfy the requirements of part one of this assignment, I have analysed my cultural identity and values through the lens of intercultural communication. Firstly, I discuss the five core cultural groups which I feel are integral parts of my identity. Following this, is highlight two key components of cultural identity, specifically socioeconomic status and ethnicity, and compare and contrast differing cultural groups and my reaction to those differences. Finally, I will address the origins of my perspectives about those with cultural subscriptions which are disparate from my own. This analysis will look to identify sources, such as the media and my own cultural values, which have contributed to my view of other cultures.

Since birth, I have been ideologically socialised into a ‘female’ gender identity, where I was taught how to dress and act in line with my assigned gender. According to Lorber (1994), a sex category becomes a gender status through naming, dress and the use of other gender markers (p.32). As a woman in New Zealand and through traditional worldviews, I was brought up to believe that women should not work, but stay home and carry out domestic chores whilst raising children. I believe that the foundation of my identity is based on some of these ideologies

Family gatherings such as a Sunday roast meal was an opportunity to spend quality family time; this now being a ritual I have incorporated into my own life and a part of my identity and culture. Having lived in Perth for four years, I felt as though my culture and identity as a New Zealand European was very similar to that of Australian European, as we shared the same values, ideas and traditions. For example, Australian people mourn the death of loved ones by attending a funeral at a church; this was also common practice in my culture as a New Zealand