Vocab

Stereotype

widely held beliefs that people have certain characteristics because of their membership in a particular group

Stereotype Threat

a self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype

Social Identity Theory (SIT)

theory in which the formation of a person's identity within a particular social group is explained by social categorization, social comparison, and positive distinctiveness

Cultural Norms

behavior patterns that are typical of specific groups, or expectations of a specific group

Conformity

Adjusting one's behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard due to perceived norms or group pressure.

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

referring to the use of cognitive processes in relation to understanding the social world - suggests that behavior is learned from the environment through modeling, or the processes of attention, retention, motivation, & potential.

Enculturation

the process of adopting or internalizing the schemas of your culture, and transmitted across generations

Cultural Dimension

the perspectives of a culture based on values and cultural norms, typically used in the international context of business

Individualism vs Collectivism

Individualism emphasizes personal goals and independence, collectivism stresses group goals and interdependence.

Acculturation

the process by which someone comes into contact with another culture and begins to adopt the norms and behaviors of that culture

Acculturative Stress

the anxiety/stress that comes from the unfamiliarity of new cultural surroundings, rules, norms, and practices and the attempt to adapt to these new circumstances

social cognition

the mental processes that people use to make sense of the social world around them

Globalization

the movement towards a unified, global culture. It is based in individualism, free market economics, and democracy. Some values include freedom of choice, individual rights, openness to change, and acceptance of differences.

Local influences

Traditional cultural norms and practices.

Global influences

Imported cultural ideas and practices.