Collectivistic and Individualistic Cultures essays

Collectivistic and Individualistic Cultures essays The main goal of the science of psychology is to discover and generate knowledge about people and their behavior. Studying the cultural aspect of the science adds yet another piece to the puzzle of psychology. By definition, cultural psychology includes cultural similarities and differences in behavior with its main theories. The research pertaining to the study of crossing cultures in a psychological aspect is done by examining the behaviors, beliefs and reactions of people from different cultural backgrounds. To simplify the study of cultural psychology, cultures have been initially divided into two types. The types included are collectivistic cultures and individualistic cultures and the two are seemingly at opposite ends of the spectrum of psychology. However, there are also etics, that is aspects that are universal across cultures, present in the comparison of the two types of cultures. Aspects that differ from one culture to another are known as emics, and a major goal of scientists engaged in the study of cultures is to determine which aspects of human behavior should be classified as etics and which as emics. Here, Id like to explore an overview of some of both. People who belong to individualistic cultures, such as the Unites States, see themselves as individuals, separate from the societal group. Highly individualistic cultures encourage people to take care of themselves and make life decisions based on their individual needs. Individualists tend to give priority to ones own goals and define their identities in terms of personal attributes. Because of this, they generally possess what is known as an independent construal of self, which simply defines what I have already stated; the individuals focus on internal and personal attributions. This explains the fact that individualists are more likely to prejudge people based on the obvious personal a...

8 Good Presents for College Students to Give to Mom

8 Good Presents for College Students to Give to Mom Gift-giving occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah and Mothers Day often come at a rough time for college students. They tend to fall at the end of the semester, a time when finals are quickly approaching and funds may be running low. Still, you want to show your mom youre thinking of her and appreciate everything shes done for you. Given those limitations, college students sometimes need to be a little creative when it comes to giving gifts. Gifts to Give If You Have a Little Cash 1. Share your school pride. Swing by the campus bookstore for some mom-themed school paraphernalia. See if you can snag one of those [your university name here] Mom T-shirts or sweatshirts so she can show off how proud she is to have a kid in college. 2. Go with a classic. Send her a bouquet of her favorite flowers, or incorporate that flower into a more affordable arrangement. You can find an online seller or contact a local florist in your hometown, and be sure to ask if they offer a student discount or have a promo code for first-time buyers. Keep at mind prices might spike during times of high demand (like Mothers Day), so consider sending hers a few days early. Youll save some money while still letting her know you care. 3. Show her how generous she taught you to be. If your mom has a favorite charity, make a donation in her name. Not only is it thoughtful, its budget friendly because you can choose to donate however much you can afford (and you dont need to tell her how much you spent). Gifts Even Broke College Students Can Afford 1. Say thanks. Take a picture of yourself holding a big piece of paper or poster saying THANKS! in front of your school. You can put it on the front of a homemade card or put it in a frame. 2. Give her your time. Make a coupon redeemable for some quality time together when youre not in school. It can be good for a cup of coffee, lunch, dinner or dessert - your treat, of course. 3. Give her something shes given you. Offer to make her a homemade dinner when you get home. Even if youre just learning to cook or are limited in the kitchen, there are plenty of easy recipes for college students you can try. At the very least, shell appreciate the effort. 4. Take some time to write down your thoughts. It can be really hard to find the perfect card in a store, so make one yourself. Most moms would rather have an original, sincere, handwritten card than another generic gift anyway. 5. Pick up the phone. Dont forget to call! If you have room to improve in the call Mom department, consider giving a gift of setting a weekly phone date for you two to check in with each other.