Research Paper Sample on Cross Cultural Psychology

Introduction

The field of psychology has evolved due to the consideration of numerous aspects that influence an individual's behavior. Cultural psychology incorporates the psychological theories and concepts that are inherently organized by culture (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). Global human interactions initiated the integration of various cultures in public places and institutions, such as schools. Consequently, cross-cultural psychology evaluates the actions of a particular ethnic group influenced by culture, which results in an alteration of existing cultural practices (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). In this paper, I apply cultural psychology theories and concepts to elaborate on teachers' and students' psychological functions developed through their relationships and social environments. An analysis of the British sitcom "Mind Your Language" provides an overview of cultural interactions in a classroom setting. Many college teachers and students face challenges accomplishing a common goal in a multicultural class because of their different backgrounds and interpretation of cultures.

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Summary

"Mind Your Language" is a British sitcom directed by Stuart Allen and produced by London Weekend Television (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). The sitcom focuses on a foreign language class in an adult education college in London, England (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). Mr. Jeremy Brown is a newly employed teacher responsible for a group of ten students (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). The classroom comprises diverse students from nine countries in Europe and Asia, trying to learn English (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). Throughout the series, both the teacher and students face various challenges. The aspects of social practices and religious beliefs stand out as the defining factors influencing their actions. Nonetheless, Mr. Brown strives to unite the class and achieve their common objective.

Adjusting to New Life

In the pilot episode, Mr. Brown meets his students for the first time and acknowledges their limited English language (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). Regardless, he assures the school principal, Miss Courtney, he is up for the task. Throughout the first term, Mr. Brown struggled to improve his students' performance. Consequently, all the students failed in their final Lower Cambridge Certificate exam (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979).

The dialogical approach of cultural psychology suggests that interpersonal dialectic and dialogues result in novel cultures (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). In a multicultural classroom, student interactions generate new dialogical practices that deviate from the class objective. Most students develop close relationships with other students with a similar social background. In many cases, relationships improve class participation and performance. However, in an adult foreign language class, the students' interest to learn diminishes. The students having a sense of belonging overthrew the need to learn English, making it difficult for the teacher.

Students Conflict

The sitcom students have different backgrounds and religions; hence, they conflicted due to varying opinions. In the first season, Ranjeet, a devout Punjabi Sikh, refused to sit next to Ali, a Pakistani Muslim (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). The two often argued during every class due to their religious differences. Ali believed Islam was the true religion and did not agree with Ranjeet's views on the human consumption of meat products.

According to the action theory, a person's goal-oriented actions are the cornerstone of their mental processes (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). The behaviors are a result of an individual's knowledge of myths or cultural beliefs. In Ali's and Ranjeet's case, the two had different religious beliefs, which influenced their actions in class. Each student has their interpretation of cultures; thus, they choose to integrate intentionality in their behavior. Despite the similarities from their native countries, Ali and Ranjeet refused to associate with each other (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). Therefore, the students' conflict always haltered class progress.

Social Life

In episode two, Ranjeet requests Mr. Brown to help him escape an arranged marriage as he was supposed to marry Surinder, his father's best friend's daughter, and had agreed to do so when he was 12 years old (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). Furthermore, Ranjeet clarifies that his initial decision was because of his ethnic customs and the beauty of his bride, which changed over time (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979).

Obeyesekere's "work of culture" concept explained how individuals organize their life through meaning-based participation in cultural rituals (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). In this scene, Ranjeet elaborates on the need for him to accept Surinder as his bride as part of their marriage rituals (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). The commitment to cultural practices was significant in improving community relations and establishing a sense of identity through families. Ranjeet wanted freedom in his social life; however, he still felt obliged to marry Surinder. Thus, the social interaction of multicultural students led to chaos in the classroom.

Collaborative Work

In episode nine, Mr. Brown gets sick and cannot attend the class; hence, the students decide to visit him (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). On arrival, each student suggested their remedy for his illness according to their ethnomedicinal knowledge (Allen & Moses, 1977-1979). The students aimed to heal Mr. Brown but could not agree on the best possible treatment. In many cases, the students could not work together due to their different cultural knowledge.

The symbolic action theory explains that a person's experiences with generalized symbols based on socially available myths influence their actions (“Cultural Psychology,” n.d.). The individual experiences become an integral part of their decision-making process. Each student believed they offered Mr. Brown the best therapy for his illness; however, they all failed to treat him. Collaborative work is vital in learning and accomplishing class projects while helping one another. Thus, the students' differences in cultural beliefs that influence their symbolic actions hinder collaboration to attain common goals.

Reflection

There are many cultural practices specific to different ethnic groups worldwide. The psychological functions of these rituals differ according to the social context. However, people interact daily; thus, each person should understand and appreciate the differences in beliefs that influence other's actions. Regardless, individuals are still responsible for their behaviors in public institutions. Baruch College is an example of a multicultural school that harbors diverse students. Despite the differences in cultural practices, teachers and students overcome challenges to accomplish the school's objective. Moreover, the college community integration of cultures initiates a better understanding of the societies globally. Cultural psychology provides a systematic explanation of the ethnic practices that can unify multicultural communities.

Conclusion

The sitcom "Mind Your Language" displayed interactions between a teacher and diverse students. The students' cultural, psychological functions shaped their relationships, which affected their performance in the first term. In most cases, religion and social background were the main factors that guided the students' actions. Throughout the series, Ali and Ranjeet argued due to their religious beliefs. Moreover, all the students failed in their attempt to heal Mr. Brown when he was sick. Despite the relations among students, the whole class also failed in their Lower Cambridge Certificate exam, which was their common objective. Multicultural classrooms pose challenges due to various interpretations of cultures. However, teachers and students can overcome difficulties with the help of cultural psychology concepts.

References

Allen, S., Moses, A. (Executive Producers). (1977-1979). Mind your language [TV series]. London Weekend Television (LWT).

Cultural Psychology. (n.d.). Iresearchnet. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from
http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/cultural-psychology/.