Final Culture Assignment
Final Culture Assignment
Asian culture is considered to be the most diversified culture of the world. Asians are a culturally diverse group that includes Chinese (the largest subgroup), Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese nationalities (Juckett, 2005). The most influential and dominant element of Asian culture is Family. The Asian family is held with strong ties and bonds. The extended family has significant influence, and the oldest male in the family is often the decision maker and spokesperson. The interests and honor of the family are more important than those of individual family members. Older family members are respected, and their authority is often unquestioned. Among Asian cultures, maintaining harmony is an important value; therefore, there is a strong emphasis on avoiding conflict and direct confrontation. The Asian culture supports extended families and the business world of Asians especially Asian Americans is strongly associated with the family.
Due to respect for authority, disagreement with the recommendations of healthcare professionals is avoided. However, lack of disagreement does not indicate that the patient and family agree with or will follow treatment recommendations. Because the behavior of the individual reflects on the family, mental illness or any behavior that indicates lack of self-control may produce shame and guilt. As a result, patients may be unwilling to discuss symptoms of mental illness or depression. Special respect is paid to older people in many circumstances. This can include standing when older people enter a room, always greeting older people before others present (even if they are better known to the speaker), standing when speaking to one’s elders and serving older people first at a meal table. Touching the head, shoulders or back of an older person can be considered disrespectful, even if the intent is to comfort or indicate affection. The Asian culture has a set of expectations from their children. They emphasize the children to get education, and strive to get high scores and distinction. The strongest support in an Asian family is received from the parents rather than spouse (Shapiro, 2001). The father male member of family is seen as an authoritative figure and is assumed to provide the financial support. Usually fathers demonstrate fewer emotions. Whereas mothers are more emotional, help in household, and act as an intermediary between child and father. Different regions of Asia have different culture but yet the family is an important element for all these diverse regions. The Asian families have a positive set of minds that