Learning Culture: The Role Of Articulating And T

Learning Culturetraditionally The Role Of Articulating And Transmitti

Learning Culture traditionally, the role of articulating and transmitting values, norms, and beliefs in society has been primarily through storytelling and literature. Film, as a modern medium, uniquely communicates culture by depicting stories about people’s hopes, dreams, challenges, fears, social relationships, and accepted or unacceptable ways of addressing issues. This makes film an important reflection of cultural norms and values, offering insight into societal issues and diversity across different cultures.

For this assignment, you are asked to select one film from a provided list or another film from the Intercultural Film database. You will analyze the film using Hofstede’s five Dimensions of Culture: Individualism vs. Collectivism, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Competitiveness vs. Cooperation, and Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation. Your analysis should include specific examples from the film that support your conclusions for each dimension. Be sure to articulate how each cultural dimension is represented in the film’s storyline, characters, and setting.

Specifically, for each dimension:

• Identify the primary culture represented in the film.
• Provide an example from the film that validates your assessment.
• Explain your conclusion based on the example provided.

Note that some films may contain mature content; if you are sensitive to such material, consider choosing a film with a G or PG rating. Films may be subtitled, and you are encouraged to select from the list or other titles fitting the cultural focus.

Paper For Above instruction

In this analysis, I selected the film Slumdog Millionaire as an illustrative example to explore Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The film is set in India, and it provides rich material to analyze the cultural aspects as depicted through the lives of its characters. India, as the primary culture in the film, demonstrates a complex blend of traditional values and modern influences, making it an ideal case for applying Hofstede’s framework.

1. Primary Culture Represented

The primary culture depicted in Slumdog Millionaire is Indian culture. The film vividly portrays Indian social norms, values, and practices—ranging from family dynamics and social stratification to religious traditions and community bonds.

2. Individualist or Collectivist

India, as represented in the film, leans towards collectivism rather than individualism. The characters’ decisions are often influenced by family, community, and societal expectations rather than personal desires alone. For example, Jamal’s actions are frequently motivated by loyalty to his family and friends, such as his unwavering quest to reunite with Latika, which underscores the importance of community and kinship ties in Indian culture (Hofstede, 2001). This collectivist orientation prioritizes group harmony and social cohesion over individual achievement.

3. High or Low Power Distance

The film illustrates a high Power Distance orientation within Indian society. Authority figures such as police officers, religious figures, and wealthier individuals maintain significant influence over common people. An example from the film is the police’s abuse of Jamal and the exploitation by politicians and gang leaders, demonstrating acceptance of hierarchical power structures and the unequal distribution of power (Hofstede, 2001).

4. High or Low Uncertainty Avoidance

Indian culture, as depicted in the film, exhibits a moderate to high uncertainty avoidance. Characters often seek stability and security, evident in their adherence to traditional practices and cautious responses to new circumstances. For instance, Jamal’s consistent reliance on instinct and faith rather than strict rules reflects a cultural tendency to accept uncertainty while striving for stability within societal norms (Hofstede, 2001).

5. Competitive or Cooperative

The cultural context shown in the film emphasizes cooperation more than competition. Jamal and Latika cooperate to survive and pursue their shared goals amidst adversity. The story underscores the importance of social bonds, mutual support, and collective resilience, contrasting with cultures where individual competition might be more prominent (Hofstede, 2001).

6. Long-term or Short-term Orientation

Indian culture in the film leans towards a long-term orientation, emphasizing perseverance, future planning, and respect for tradition. Jamal’s patience and commitment to reuniting with Latika reflect values of enduring hope and cultural perseverance, aligning with Hofstede’s description of long-term oriented societies (Hofstede, 2001).

In conclusion, Slumdog Millionaire offers rich insights into Indian cultural dimensions as interpreted through characters and plot. The film emphasizes collectivism, hierarchical relationships, adaptive responses to uncertainty, cooperative social interactions, and long-term perseverance—characteristics consistent with Indian societal values as outlined by Hofstede’s model.

References

• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
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