Examples Of Cultural Adaptation

Modes of Cultural Adaptation

In order to consider the role of cultural adaption as it relates to bicultural identity and its development, one must first begin by defining culture. Culture is defined as the development of values, beliefs, and behaviors of organized patterns that is shared by social groups overtime (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). While cultural adaptation can be looked upon as information that have been shared among individuals across generations which is considered a powerful instrument to be utilized as new situations arise (Cavalli-Sforza, 1988). Equally important, and simplistically put, bicultural identity is to internalize more than one culture, in other words, both ethnic and the mainstream culture are intertwined

To further elaborate, the aforementioned is inflexible and unwavering in values and beliefs, inclusive of strong religious beliefs and clearly defined gender roles (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). In addition, under normal circumstances, the language of origin is based on the country of origin and is usually used within the home (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). Furthermore, there is an expectancy to marry within the group, and patterns of behavior is according to tradition and distinct in culture (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). On the contrary, although the evidence of cultural values and behaviors is in plain view, both high and low adherence of societal values and behaviors exist (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). As the above-mentioned begin to identify and initiate norms of the minority group, while detaching themselves from the larger society and those in it , an ethic identity that is strong is now developed along with being able to cope and adapt to what is traditionally oriented (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). In light of this adaptation, skills that are learned are used in all situations by the family that are in context of both cultural, which is the nurturing system, and societal, which references

Here we witness the integration of dual values, and behaviors with high level of adherence to both (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012).

Why these influences might be important to social work practice.

As a social worker it is important to have an understanding of cultural conflict and the tensions it brings along with the connection “of gender, class, religion, ethnicity/race and dual identification” (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). The aforementioned is crucial as it relates to the ethnic minority “growth, development, and socialization” (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). When a social worker lacks the inability to successfully accomplish the handling of bicultural tension, alienation may be manifested “physically, emotionally, or internationally” (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012). Ultimately, social workers are expected to govern themselves in a way that is culturally competent with the avoidance of discrimination, in addition to working toward social justice which is inclusive of all (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda,