by Carrie Wilson

Created on: May 03, 2009

Japanese and African Cultures

Every culture is different from the next. Difference in beliefs and traditions make up the worlds various faiths and religions. The environment of a culture, climate, or living conditions could also determine what food they might eat and what crops they might grow. However, there may be more to it than difference in food and religion. Studies done by psychological anthropologist are showing how cultures can shape a personality, as well as redefining what it means to be "normal". (Miller, pg 146)

The Japanese culture has a very firm view of what is acceptable social behavior. This culture is deep rooted in values and traditional beliefs. Such values include harmony, order and self-dependence. These values have a strong influence on basic Japanese life as well as social interaction. Japanese mythology has many stories where gods are perceived as having human-like emotions, such as love and anger. In these stories, behavior that involves positive interaction with others is rewarded. Whereas interactions that are antisocial or hurtful are condemned. This type of behavior, in the myths, is punishable by banishment. It is possible that these traditional beliefs are responsible for social dependence in the Japanese culture. In many interpersonal relationships confrontation and open competition are avoided. "Working with others requires self-control, but it carries the rewards of pride in contributing to the group, emotional security, and social identity. Wa, the notion of harmony within a group, requires an attitude of cooperation and recognition of social roles."
(Values and Beliefs, 2008)

Another example of Japans Social connectedness may stem from childhood sleeping arrangements. In Japan it is not uncommon for children to have an extended stay in their parent's bed. In some cases the child or children sleep with both parents. Other times it is just the mother who shares her bed. Psychological anthropologists have observed Japanese cultures and found evidence that suggests this type of parent-infant co-sleeping could cause a child to develop a "weak ego formation". If the child develops a weak ego, than he or she may have" little sense of autonomous selfhood and a high degree of interpersonal connectedness." (Miller, pg 152)

Even so there are many other ways that culture can shape behavior, feelings and thoughts. In the Central African Republic there is a tribe of foragers known as the Aka. To the Aka there are equal child-care role among

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