...Marvin Harris: Cultural Materialism perspective Theory: A model of human behavior. Model involving a logical explanation of some phenomenon Model tries to generalize about social behavior A theory in social sciences must be empirically testable or supported by evidence Materialist versus Idealist views of Culture Food as Feed (required for physical existence/survival) Food as symbolic: as Status/prestige, Health, class, group identity, sexuality, gender, power, ritual, protest Why don=t Hindus eat beef? Or, why don’t Jews and Muslims eat Pork? MATERIALIST: ABecause it is more profitable to preserve the cow=s for other uses” IDEALIST : ABecause they consider the cow sacred, and will not kill it for food” Theories are based on Assumptions Materialist View: Humans are rational beings. They will weigh the costs and benefits of actions. Biological needs such as food, sex are more important than other needs. Work is less desirable than leisure. Behaviors influence ideas. Idealist View: Human seek meaning in action. Symbolic understanding orients all human action, including the satisfaction of biological needs. We cannot understand human behavior without understanding the system of meanings that govern behavior from the actor’s point of view. Ideas influence action. Harris= materialist explanation of the Asacred cow@ in India Beef was consumed in the past...
Words: 507 - Pages: 3
...Management and Organization Review 5:1 75–89 doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8784.2008.00137.x The Future of Chinese Management Research: Rigour and Relevance Redux Mary Ann Von Glinow1 and Mary B. Teagarden2 1 Florida International University, USA, and 2Thunderbird School of Global Management, USA ABSTRACT We use the parable of the blind men and the elephant to suggest that Barney and Zhang (2009) and Whetten (2009) analogously touch on only a part of the Chinese management research puzzle. Their analyses remind us of many attempts at anchoring the research purpose – etic versus emic approaches, exploration versus exploitation approaches, rigor versus relevance scenarios – touched on by the many commentators in this issue. We suggest researchers first answer the ‘purpose’ questions before embarking on the research design. The research design should fit the purpose of the knowledge, which is either to improve the performance of Chinese organizations (meeting the relevance criterion) or to replicate, extend or refine a theory developed in the US (meeting the rigour criterion). We believe the strength of applied management research allows us to create knowledge that can meet the criteria of both rigour and relevance. We support the use of academic international research teams and dialectic debate as tools to move the field of Chinese management research forward. KEYWORDS context, polycontextuality, relevance, research team, rigour It was six men of Indostan To learning much...
Words: 7229 - Pages: 29
...Chapter 3: Catering for the cultural and social environment of international marketing What is culture? * ‘Culture is the total way of life in a society’ (Fletcher, 1979) * Culture is the collective programming of the mind (Hofstede, 1980) Elements of culture * Material culture: technology and economics * Social institutions: concerned with the way people relate to each other * Relations with the universe: religion, superstition, and impact on value systems * Aesthetics: activities and art forms and dance all have a role in interpreting symbolic meanings in each culture. * Language: differ in the way they convey meanings The impact of culture on international marketing * Knowledge * Factual knowledge conveys meaning about a culture which appears straightforward. * Interpretive knowledge is based on feeling and intuition and is often influenced by past experiences. * Sensitivity * Cultural sensitivity involves being aware of the nuances (sắc thái) of the different culture, being empathetic with it and viewing it objectively * Collectivism * It plays a greater role in decision making because of the strength of family ties, strong affinity with the group. * Social conventions (quy ước) * Relative to eating: time take to eat the mail, the composition of each meal, … * Cognitive styles * Consumers are loyal to products varies between culture. Ex: Asian countries consumers are more loyal and less to switch...
Words: 607 - Pages: 3
...Anthropology Final Research Paper Different societies exist throughout the world and within these societies each society develops culture that works best for them. Within these cultures they pass all their acquired knowledge and traditions down from generation to generation. Nevertheless, each culture has their own way of life, own marriage beliefs, their own values and feelings on life and religious beliefs. Cultures tend to have their own way to run their government, and ways to keep their economy up to their standards. Most importantly in cultural anthropology it is imperative to value culture relativism. This is the view in which no culture is superior to other culture when comparing systems such as morality, law, and politics (Crapo, 2013). Each culture beliefs are equally valid depending on the environment. In this paper, I will delve into a piece of my culture from an outsider’s standpoint, an etic perspective, and furthermore, I will examine another culture from an emic perspective on their traditional practices. Not only will I examine gender roles and equality in the United States workforce from an etic perspective, but also polygyny in Sub-Saharan Africa from an emic perspective. Throughout American history the number of women in the United States workforce has been increasing even though American society has always claimed men to be the breadwinners and heads of the house. According to Hill (2013), “In 1964, women were only 34.56 percent of the labor force...
Words: 1307 - Pages: 6
...CHAPTER IV Introduction Overview The previous chapter presents the theoretical framework for the research study as well as the research design and methodology employed in carrying out the study. The respective research questions and hypotheses were outlined. Reviews of the instrument development and screening procedure employed in developing the construct were outlined. The sample plan and data collection methods were presented and the planned hypotheses tests were provided. Purpose The purpose of Chapter Four is to present the analysis of the data and the resultant findings from the tests conducted on each of the respective hypotheses. An overview of the data collection, survey population responses, coding procedures and descriptive statistical summaries followed by validity and reliability testing opens the chapter. Since all of the research questions address the relationships of individual dimensions, a summary report of each hypothesis will report findings to support or reject each hypothesis. The data collected were used to determine the impact of occupational stressors on job satisfaction among human service providers specifically, though not exclusively, among those working at a housing agency. In this chapter, the research also examined the impact of occupational stressors on different personality types; how some providers may be temperamentally predisposed to this type of work more successfully than others. Data indicating the relationship between job satisfaction...
Words: 2076 - Pages: 9
... International Business Studies and the Imperative of Context. Exploring the ‘Black Whole’ in Institutional Theory Michael Jakobsen Associate Professor Asia Research Centre Copenhagen Business School mj.int@cbs.dk Abstract The aim of this article is to take a critical look at how to perceive informal institutions within institutional theory. Douglas North in his early works on institutional theory divided the national institutional framework into two main categories, formal and informal institution or constraints as he called them. The formal constraints consisted of political rules, judicial decisions and economic contracts, whereas informal constraints consisted of socially sanctioned norms of behaviour, which are embedded in culture and value systems. As formal constraints are straight forward to deal with the informal ones are much more vaguely defined and thus more difficult to grasp analytical. This imprecise perception of informal constraints is surprising as they basically constitute the foundation of the society in question, whereas formal constraints ‘only’ constitute...
Words: 10292 - Pages: 42
...February 8, 2014 ANTH 154 Emic VS. Etic Essay Emic: The research strategy that focuses on local explanations and criteria of significance. Etic: The research strategy that emphasizes the ethnographer’s rather than the local’s explanation, categories, and criteria of significance. My first example is Celebratory Food. The Emic view in this example is that food is the center piece of almost all celebratory get togehters. No matter where you live, when there is a celebration, like holidays, birthdays, rites of passage, etc., they will most likely be serving food. The Etic view in this example is that I am from the South, and we celebrate with different types of food then the North or the West or even another country would. When we have an occasion worth celebrating and cooking, we make Chicken, cornbread, oysters, greens, salad and sweet tea! In other portions of the world though, their celebrations may include, sushi, tamales, kobayashi beef, or….DOG! My second example is Raising Children. The Emic view in this example is that children are born and either one or two parents raise them. This happens in every culture all over the world, how different cultures raise these children brings me to the Etic view of this example. Being born and raised in South Carolina, some of the first few words that come out of our mouths are Mr. or Mrs. We are raised to be southern ladies and gentlemen. On the other hand we are encouraged to hunt, climb trees, and play in the mud as well. I received...
Words: 330 - Pages: 2
...Anthropology Instructor Adrienne Stafford May 8, 2016 Childrearing and Eating Disorders Childrearing in today’s society is different especially when there are different ways in between having the mother discipline or the father discipline. Different ways of childrearing are mainly the authorative or the permissive. Rarely would anyone have any other type of childrearing in the family. Also having issues with young teens in eating disorders to fit in with the right crowd within the community has been a major problem around the world. Due to having a certain image has brought the young adolescents to have this certain eating disorder. So within this paper I will be explaining the different ways of childrearing in each family from an etic perspective. I also will be giving an insider’s perspective on the image of young adolescents and the problem with the eating disorders that they will face for cultures in different countries. Part I Childrearing parents are different in many cultures, but the main point is the way the mothers and fathers have their own ways of childrearing in their lives. You have the authorative, permissive, non-conforming, and the rejecting-neglecting parents. Having different childrearing ways characterize a family relation as positive, but not as positive as the permissive style. You basically have the mothers as being more of the authorative style and the fathers as the permissive style. Having an authorative style family, you have more discipline...
Words: 1020 - Pages: 5
...ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This Project Report is a result of efforts, time and skills contributed by a number of people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have worked towards successful completion of this project report. I must also acknowledge me deep gratitude to my faculty guide, Ms. Kushi Sharma, Sr. Lecturer, Amity School of Business for her valuable guidance, corrective criticism and unflinching moral support during the tenure of the project. I must also express my indebtedness to Brig. S K Dubey, Professor, Amity School of Business for helping me in the successful completion of the project. I must also extend my sincere thanks to the Amity School of Business Library, Amity University, Noida for their invaluable assistance during the project. Thanks are also due to all those whose writings and data I have drawn upon in the preparation of the report. Lastly, I must not forget to thank my family and friends for their constant support and understanding during the work. SHUBHANGI SINGH A3907508034 IMBA A-16 (2008- 2012) Amity School of Business e- Mail – shubhangi_singh@live.in INDEX SERIAL NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO. 1. Abstract 03 2. Introduction 04 3. Methodology 07 4. Literature review 08 5. Discussion 14 6 Conclusion 15 7. Suggestions 16 6. Appendices 17 7. References 18 ABSTRACT Confronted by the globalization of markets, increasing competition, deregulation and rapid technological developments, speed and flexibility...
Words: 5146 - Pages: 21
...Abstract There are a number of methodological issues that can be problematic in cross-cultural studies that use self-report survey instruments. This paper reviews the organizational research literature to identify the common practices being used in relation to these issues. A framework is established for this analysis that involves three stages related to the research process. These stages are 1) the development of the research question, 2) the alignment of the research contexts, and 3) the validation of the research instruments. A sample of cross-cultural studies was examined in the context of these three stages, and served as a basis for the identification of some “best-practices” that are meant to deal with cross-cultural complexities. Introduction International perspectives are becoming more prevalent in today’s study of organizations. As business continues to take a global outlook, theoretical constructs commonly used in domestic research will need to be applied to new cross-cultural arenas. Recently, researchers have begun to take notice of some important methodological issues associated with the use of survey instruments in cross-cultural research (e.g., Cheung & Rensvold, 1999; Riordan & Vandenberg, 1994). These issues can have a strong impact on a study’s results, and on the subsequent interpretation of those results. If researchers ignore the difficulties inherent in using self-report questionnaires in cross-cultural studies, the field as a whole...
Words: 3186 - Pages: 13
...Part II In this section, I will examine veiling practices among Muslim women from an emic perspective. As Crapo (2013) describes it, “An emic description or analysis—that is, an insider’s or native’s meaningful account—may be written for outsiders but portrays a culture and its meanings as the insider understands it” (p.27). In her book chapter entitled The Veil in Their Minds and on Our Heads: Veiling Practices and Muslim Women, Hoodfar (1997) examines misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding this practice. From an emic perspective, Muslim women face unwarranted scrutiny over their choices from people who often have no understanding of the many reasons why women wear the veil. The reasons for wearing the veil may differ from individual to individual and from culture to culture (Hoodfar, 1997). In any culture, it is typical for motivations to vary in this way. For example, in America, wearing revealing clothing may signify confidence in one’s body for some and insecurity for others. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all explanation for any behavior. Despite this, Hoodfar (1997) notes that Muslim women living in North America and Europe often face harsh criticism over their choice to wear the veil, even though many people do not fully understand the practice, and admit to this when engaging Muslim women in conversation about the practice. Muslim women feel harassed and attacked about their choices no matter what they say, and are sometimes afraid of...
Words: 681 - Pages: 3
...Anthropology Instructor James Turner September 7, 2015 Introduction This paper will show an overview of the American economic system today from an etic (outsider’s) point of view as well as examine how the Japanese culture treats death from an introspective view to show readers how areas where they may already have an opinion on can be seen from other perspectives. In Part I, readers will be shown from an etic perspective how Americans have, over time, developed an addiction to indebtedness and live in abundance on credit, not caring of growing deficits and interest burdens. In his 2013 book, “Cultural Anthropology,” Crapo describes an etic analysis as “an outsider’s or observer’s allegedly “objective” account.” In Part II, the Japanese culture surrounding death will be described as how an insider would understand it. Crap described an emic analysis as “an insider’s or native’s meaningful account.” (Ch. 1.1). For various cultures around the world to truly understand and empathize with one another, it is important to be able to see things from each other’s perspective. Being able to understand an issue in America as an outsider would see it, and likewise to look at something that might seem strange to us as an insider would will help us grow beyond our preconceived notions and ignorance. Part I This section of the paper will detail an etic analysis of American economics, specifically revolving around debt. Americans do not see debt as an issue that threatens their existence but instead...
Words: 1490 - Pages: 6
...Culture Taylor Pruitt Anthropology 101 Introduction to Culture Instructor: Kathryn Grant July 27th, 2015 Culture relativism is a societies own set of rules. Different societies classify themselves by law or by belief. All cultures are unique in their own way. Religion will be used in most societies. Our society from an etic view may seem wrong to a different culture as when we look at other cultures from an emic view it may be classified as different also. We were raised to believe in what we were taught. When it comes to beliefs, the way societies work it is basically encoded in ones Deoxyribonucleic Acid. I will be stating emic and etic views from not only my culture but other cultures as well. I will be presenting what ways will be right for one society and considered wrong for another's society. Race, Muslim religion, and generations are just a few unique differences in cultures. Race from an etic perspective could go many ways. People see American society as many races and not just one race. They have Caucasians, Hispanic, African American, ect. I would believe that they are just trying to become the stronger overall society. They continue to let more and more religions, races, and ethnic groups in to their society. I think that they are causing turmoil in that society because it is causing racial disputes within each other. Americans are causing more conflict instead of actually having a peaceful society. Regardless how many religions, races, ethnic groups you...
Words: 1343 - Pages: 6
...funeral and death rites in contemporary Western society can lead to disenfranchised grief as they may be insufficient in helping people cope with the loss of a loved one. Japanese culture marks aging with milestone birthdays that are celebrated to map the progression of aging to the final destination of death. In this paper I will be examining funeral and death rites and if they adequately help with the grieving process and the acceptance of death. I will be examining the funeral and death rites in the United States from an etic perspective and contrasting this examination with an emic perspective of the same rituals as they are practiced in Japan, to show that my cultures rituals are lacking in the tools to deal with grief and acceptance of death. I will be examining funeral and death rites in my own culture from an etic perspective. In order to do this I will have to step outside my culture and my belief system. According to Crapo (2013), "An etic description or analysis…..creates a model of a culture by using cross-culturally valid categories, which anthropologists have found to be generally...
Words: 2268 - Pages: 10
...Dr. Lori Alvord’s is a part of two worlds where in one she is a surgeon and in the other, she is a member of the Navajo Nation. Despite a scalpel being some tool surgeons use, Alvord’s “surgeon world” is represented by the scalpel because she had to cut and sew pieces of her identity together for her worlds to co-exist. As it is stated in the introduction, “the words “Navajo” and “surgeon is not often seen together. (1)” Alvord had to perform an incision on her identity to give herself a functioning reality of her dreams and desires. Her Navajo Culture is represented as a silver bear because Alvord wears a trinket on a necklace which represents her Navajo heritage. Alvord stated, "The scalpel is my tool...but may 'Silver Bear', my Navajo beliefs and culture ... are what guide me." (16) Being a surgeon and apart from the Navajo culture is different because it is two different forms of medicine is performed. As a surgeon, Alvord’s feels disconnected from her patients. In modern medicine, you are not permitted enough to time to create a bountiful relationship with your patients. Patients often feel like a set of organs rather than a person. It states “now more than ever, patients themselves feel removed and forgotten, powerless in the face of the institutions that were created to help them. (2)” This behavior is extremely different in Alvord’s culture. In the Navajo culture, medicine is performed by a hataalii, who is someone who sees a person and not simply a body. The Navajo culture...
Words: 752 - Pages: 4
