This assignment is meant to be a self-reflection on cross-cultural intimacy and relationships, Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) and how it relates to relational intimacy across cultures. I also evaluate my self-assessments of my sociocommunicative orientation/style, and my factors and preferences in choosing my mate and how these relate in intercultural context.
Levels of intimacy in different types of relationships vary greatly across cultures. For example, a relationship between a teacher and a student in the United States has a drastically different dynamic and level of intimacy than the same student-teacher relationship in Asian cultures (Neulip, 2015). Gudykunst and Nishida developed a ratings system to evaluate how persons of different
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By reducing anxiety, this makes the communication and interaction more effective. If a high level of uncertainty remains, that leads to anxiety and people may completely avoid the interaction and communication. One’s communication style may assist with reducing uncertainty in these interactions. Jim McCroskey and Virginia Richmond detail two types of communication style or “sociocommunicative orientation” that affect how one interacts and communicates in situations (Neulip, 2015). These two communication styles are assertiveness and responsiveness. Assertiveness is a style that one is active and asks questions, make requests, express positive or negative feelings, initiate and sustain or terminate conversations, and practice self-defense without being attacking. Responsiveness refers to the communicative style in which one is more sensitive to communication of others, a good listener that engages in comforting communication and recognizes the needs of others during the interaction (Neulip, 2015). These sociocommunicative orientations are not necessarily a “good” or “bad” thing, however, they are associated with reduced uncertainty during initial cross-cultural interactions (Neulip, 2015). These styles also vary from culture to culture. For instance, American men and women scored higher on the assertiveness dimension than Japanese men and women (Neulip,
Deborah Tannen is the author of “Sex, Lies and Conversation: Why is it So Hard for Men and Women to Talk to Each Other”. Tannen is a linguist who researches the relationships between men and women. She has not only conducted research, but has information published in several books and essays about this topic. Her research includes talking with several of groups and collecting data on the behalf of their response. In her essay, “Sex, Lies and Conversation,”Tannen argues that complications arise in marriages and relationships because individuals are not able to communicate with members of the opposite sex.
However, there are those that contend that love can take a more humanistic path to love as a facet of self-actualization that can comprise caring, cooperation, adaptability, and evolution. This so called path, however, still puts an emphasis on psychological definitions and outcomes that are based on perceptions of perceived happiness, as well as individual needs and wants for happiness. The very notion that love has sociological basis is rooted in the fact this alone can be the basis for conceiving love as a manifestation of a “cooperative principle” which has become increasingly important in evolution (Restivo, 1977). “Sociologists tend to psychologize love by defining it in terms of feelings. [It can be] summarized [that] the sociological literature on love by noting that most definitions of love present it as a strong emotional bond between two people which satisfies their needs to give and to receive happiness. Even when they focus on love as a relationship, sociologists tend to define it as a psychological state of mind that brings happiness. For example, [some sociologist] purposefully limit [their] discussion of love to the interpersonal bond. [They] do not, however, define love in terms of the bond but rather as a ‘pleasurable’ or ‘joyous’ feeling that brings happiness. The prevailing paradigm in the sociology of love is further characterized by an emphasis on the romantic aspects of love often to the point of equating ‘love’ with ‘romantic love’ [the] critique of romantic love is a notable exception. Some sociologists have noted the need to broaden the study of love, and to treat it in more strongly [in] sociological terms. These efforts, however, have been carried out within the boundaries of heterosexual relationships, courtship, and marriage and that this is
Intimacy Intimacy is often defined as arising from a close acquaintance, association, or familiarity. This definition would definitely describe the relationship I have with my sister, Catherine. We share just about everything that goes on in our lives and know each other from the back of our hands. We are so close, in fact, that rarely do we hear what another is feeling before we already know. We can tell each other's mood by the body language we use.
People will try to accommodate or adjust their style of speaking to others. Is going on in two ways: divergence and convergence. The Groups/Individuals with high ethnic or racial pride often use change to highlight identity. Convergence occurs when there is a high need for social approval, frequently from vulnerable individuals. Allows me to adjust my communication to my client so the information I’m trying to send he/she will be able to comprehend and give feedback if necessary. Using Communication accommodation theory to support your client allows you to modify your communication style to address your customers’ needs and understanding. Therefore, when two people are speaking, they will alter their communication to accommodate or adjust in two ways divergence and
Edmondson, J. (2009). Let's be clear: How to manage communication styles. American Society for Training & Development, Inc., 63(9), 30-31. Retrieved from http"//go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE|A212767598&v=2.1&=novaseu_main&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=w&asid=0abb8dfff77dba5f747cb1b4c13a9d9f
I think it is important to experience both ends of the communication spectrum in order to really appreciate the benefits of having good communication skills. After observing and writing this paper, it really pushes me to better my own skills, and appreciate those of others.
This theory has been subject to many articles and studies in the communication and social departments. Indeed, studying this theory can help us understanding human relations in interpersonal communication. Each of us has been one day confronted to uncertainty, whereas in initial encounters, or moving to a new a new place, or beginning a new work.
Consequences of prolonged information gathering (uncertainty reduction) improved my impressions and increased my perception of relational value. Knowing more about her resulted in a greater desire to increase intimacy. Shared relational, political, social and religious beliefs provided a basis for mutual feelings of positive value. Personal Disclosure also revealed that Takiyah was four years younger and lived more than one hour’s driving time from my residence. After weighing the cost of extended travel and the disparity in age, I decided that the reward of her company outweighed those costs. (Outcome & Reward-Cost Ratio)
The importance of eliminating these feelings in a relationship is revealed in what being self conscious can manifest into. Not only does it demolish the connection between lovers, but it also causes one to become anxious, single minded, and paranoid. Thus, further driving partners apart. Therefore, in order to prevent relationships from coming to an end, one must be confident and secure with who they are before entering a relationship. As a result, it will lead to better trust, forgiveness, and communication. Only through avoiding insecurities can a relationship
When making sense of how a romantic relationship may form, one must take in consideration the different theoretical schemas given to date. The behavioral systems approach offered by Furman and Wehner
Our conceptions of intimacy and love are in a constant state of flux. Rituals of courtship, relationships and marriage, while they exist today, exist in a manner that has seen a great evolution with the influence technology. There is no doubt that technology has become one of the fastest paced and constantly moving fields in the world. With constant technological development, it has become more and more a part of our lives. The Internet is an incredible feat that has created a global community, bringing people from all around the world together. The presence of smart phones that allow us to be in constant contact with each other and existence of dating websites and apps that allow people to meet in circumstances they otherwise wouldn’t have
Throughout the years endless amount of research has been done regarding communication in a romantic long distance relationship. Many scholars state that a long distance relationship consists of a couple who lives separated from one another (Neustadeter & Greenberg 2011). However, numerous other scholars define this type of relationship as a limitation in the daily togetherness of two individuals who would like to be together more than they can be, as well as, them only being able to communicate through technology (Billedo, Kerkhof, Finkenauer 2015; Brody 2013). There are new definitions that are slightly different being created every single day depending on the situation, location, time frame, and scholar presenting the information.
It can be a challenge to effectively communicate in the workplace or in daily life. Because of this, it is important to consider how to choose an effective communication tool. According to Dwyer (2016), assertiveness techniques are a communication tool that can supply a method to solve it. This essay will discuss the meaning of assertiveness and how to apply it using verbal and non-verbal skills. Furthermore, it will analyze the advantages of assertiveness and explain why this is a powerful communication skill.
This group was also culturally diverse, in the same age range, 20.29 for men and 19.28 for women, and provided the same predominant status of dating but considered the relationship to be committed for an average length of 8.49 months. This group participated using an additional tool, they were also asked to maintain a daily diary to provide a more immediate observation of the relationship rather than an overall feeling of quality. The second study provided similar outcomes to the first but also provided data on both global relationship perceptions as well as daily perceptions. The determination made in the discussion of results showed that “goal progress, in turn, functions as the more proximal predictor of the subjective relationship outcome” (Avivi et al. 159).
In order to demonstrate sensitivity, I need to pause and reflect on what I want to say prior to speaking. Furthermore, my moderate human skill level demonstrates a need for greater improvement in the ability to be sensitive to the needs and motivations of others. One of my leadership experiences includes facilitating a casual, weekly discussion with international students about cultural themes as a Peer Helper in the Office of Intercultural Affairs. Since some students are shy or more reserved, I often need to guide the conversation. However, I need to be wary of my overenthusiastic and outgoing personality dominating the conversation and understand that others need time and space to voice their