Cross-cultural psychology is the scientific study of the similarities and differences between cultures and how human’s interact with one another. The fundamental processes of human behavior are developed and shaped by culture.
If we use America as an example, it has been described globally as a melting pot of cultures. There are numerous ethnic groups in the United States. As culture, race, ethnicity and class come together a new multi-cultural generation is being formed. People in different cultures have a different view on life because they live very different lives.
Americans have a unique heritage because the majority immigrated from foreign lands bringing with them traditions and religious beliefs. People are still emigrating to America and continue to bring their customs and religion to their new home.
While political parties come and go, socioeconomic class remains unchanged. Regardless of where you are from you belong to a social class. It is usually the class your parents belong to, and you are born into such as working, middle or upper class.
America is made up of different peoples who have their own hierarchy and class system. Some groups struggle to assimilate to the American culture and are perhaps even misunderstood. Latinos, for example, are very proud of their national heritage and work hard to maintain their ways of life. Latinos have a strong sense of family, and they are very religious. Most came to America to escape oppression in their native countries. They seek a better life for themselves and their families. However, that is not always the case. They are often discriminated against and struggle to find work. Many are employed in low-paying jobs. To those who do not understand their culture, they are stereotyped as lazy but it is often a language or cultural barrier that causes the discrimination.
The involuntary migration of African-Americans during the 17th-century slave trade makes them feel inferior. They came from a tribal structure and that class structure continues today with the man having more authority than the woman and religious worship playing a large role in their lives. The African-American male is generally regarded as a poor provider, and while he may rank high in the hierarchy of his immediate community, his role as a good citizen within the community as a whole is questionable.
Arab-Americans are a growing ethnic group in the Unites States. They come from a wide range of Arab speaking nations and usually are Muslims. They are typically viewed as wealthy, but there are many poor groups within the Arab community. While some Arabic nations such as Qatar have a high per capita rate, others such as Morroco do not. Arab-Americans have been subjected to much discrimination since the events of September 11, 2001, as well as more recent events like the Boston Marathon Massacre. They are a tight-knit community, and the man is the head of the family. They keep to themselves and only seek the support of Arab organizations.
The Asian-American group is the fastest growing ethnic group in America. The family is very important in this culture. The man is the head of household, followed by the son. Asians are goal-oriented, pragmatic and unexpressive. Class and credentials are important to Asians.
CONCLUSION
It is important to understand different cultures and how they live their lives. America may be a melting pot, but the global community is shrinking. The more culturally aware and sensitive people are the more collaborative everyone can be and the closer we are to bridging the cultural gap. Each race or ethnic group has its own hierarchy or class system based upon its specific culture.
Works Cited
" HispanicMinistryHomePage - The Diocese of Las Vegas." n.d. Web. 25 June 2016.
“An Overiew of the African American Experience.” Constitutional Rights Foundation, n.d. Web. 25 June 2016
