Application: Cultural Identity Portrait For School-Age Child ✓ Solved

Application: Cultural Identity Portrait School-Age Children and Adolescence in a Multicultural Society (EDUC - )

Describe your cultural identity as a basic sociological term passed from generations, including beliefs and value systems of society, and how it has changed due to technology and urbanization. Discuss the importance of cultural activities and elements such as religion, nationality, ethnicity, age set, and generation in shaping individual identity and community cohesion. Analyze how modernization and westernization influence cultural practices, morals, and values, particularly among youth, and reflect on the impact of these changes on cultural diversity and social harmony. Include personal reflections on how your cultural identity has evolved from childhood to adulthood, considering factors like dress, religion, and cultural taboos. Emphasize the dynamic and ongoing nature of cultural identity, especially during adolescence, when interactions with diverse groups influence personal beliefs and practices. Address the role of moral and religious values in shaping a dignified life, and consider the tension between cultural preservation and adaptation in a multicultural society.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Understanding cultural identity is fundamental to appreciating individual and community differences within a multicultural society. Cultural identity encompasses a shared set of beliefs, values, customs, and practices passed down through generations and shaping a person’s sense of belonging. It involves elements such as language, religion, ethnicity, nationality, age, and social roles—each contributing to how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others. As societies modernize and urbanize, cultural identities are continuously evolving, influenced by technological advancements and exposure to global cultures through media and the internet.

My own cultural identity has undergone significant transformation from childhood into adulthood. As a child, I adhered closely to my community’s customs, dressing in traditional attire, participating in religious rituals, and observing cultural taboos. These practices fostered a sense of belonging and taught me the roles expected of me based on age and gender. For instance, rites of passage such as initiation ceremonies played a crucial role, marking my transition from childhood to adulthood and imparting responsibilities within my family and community. During this period, religion—particularly Christianity—also influenced my understanding of morality, community service, and spiritual growth, serving as a foundation for my sense of purpose and ethical conduct.

With age, I have gained autonomy to make decisions about my cultural and religious affiliations. I now choose which customs to uphold and which practices to modify or abandon, reflecting both individual preferences and modern influences. The impact of urbanization and technological advancements—especially the internet—has significantly affected my cultural identity. Exposure to diverse fashion trends, music, and belief systems has challenged traditional norms and broadened my perspective. For example, Western-style dressing and secular attitudes towards religion have gradually become more acceptable, leading some to abandon traditional dress codes and religious practices. Such shifts exemplify how contemporary influences can erode long-standing cultural taboos and moral values, sometimes resulting in moral and social dilemmas.

Adolescence is a critical stage for cultural identity development. During this period, young individuals are curious, seeking to define their uniqueness while also aspiring to belong to peer groups. This desire often leads to experimentation with different cultural expressions—dressing in fashion trends influenced by global media or adopting new language dialects. Some adolescents may diverge from their traditional religious or cultural practices, questioning the relevance of their inherited beliefs. This process can foster cultural diversity but also pose challenges to social cohesion. For instance, some youths may reject their community’s moral standards, engaging in behaviors such as premarital sex, substance abuse, or other activities contrary to traditional values.

Nevertheless, this dynamic interaction with different cultures and ideas underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between adaptation and preservation. Respecting cultural diversity involves acknowledging the legitimacy of different practices and understanding their historical roots. While westernization introduces new paradigms, it is essential to preserve core cultural values that promote peace, unity, and social stability. Religion remains a vital pillar, providing moral guidance amidst rapid societal change. Religious institutions and rituals continue to foster community bonds, reinforcing shared values despite the superficial adoption of foreign customs.

In conclusion, cultural identity is not static but an evolving aspect of an individual’s life shaped by personal choices, societal influences, and technological progress. As society becomes increasingly multicultural, embracing diversity while respecting traditional values becomes paramount. Young people, in particular, must navigate a complex landscape of cultural influences, balancing the desire for individual expression with the need for community cohesion. By understanding the fluid nature of cultural identity, individuals can develop a respectful and inclusive attitude that fosters peace and unity in their communities.

References

• Bhabha, H. K. (1994). The Location of Culture. Routledge.
• Hall, S. (1990). Cultural identity and diaspora. In J. Rutherford (Ed.), Identity: Community, Culture, Difference (pp. 222-237). Lawrence & Wishart.
• Kraidy, M. M. (2005). Hybridity, or the Cultural Logic of Globalization. Temple University Press.
• Smith, C. (2003). The Cultural Evolution of Humanity. Cambridge University Press.
• Appiah, K. A. (2006). Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Castells, M. (2010). The Rise of the Network Society. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Hall, S., & Du Gay, P. (1996). Questions of Cultural Identity. Sage Publications.
• Vertovec, S. (2007). Super-diversity and its implications. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 30(6), 1024-1054.
• Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. Pantheon Books.