Cultural conditioning (or enculturation) is the acquisition of culture. This is done through processes which help us understand (and follow to varying degrees) expected norms, and allow us to distinguish right from wrong (as determined by our cultural group). As a result, we learn ‘acceptable’ behaviors and internalize the values and beliefs behind them. It is an inescapable process in every person’s development and varies considerably from group to group. Once you begin exploring this process more deeply (for yourself and others), you will develop a richer understanding of how behaviors differ between groups, and how they are interpreted and evaluated as correct/incorrect, right/wrong, or good/bad by individual groups.

While conditioning occurs mostly in early childhood, adults continue to be conditioned as they acquire new behaviors throughout their life. The following are five steps in the cultural conditioning process.

  1. Observation/Instruction:

    You’re on the ‘outside looking in’. You are watching certain behaviors, and beginning to make sense of what they are or why they are happening. You may also be instructed by others on how to perform the behavior. You don’t take part, but remain an observer.

  2. Imitation:

    You try to mimic the behavior. You engage in the behavior even though it may be challenging, but you probably spend a lot of time thinking about what to do and how to do it. You are also very aware of making mistakes, so your behavior may be slower and somewhat methodical.

  3. Reinforcement:

    As you engage in the behavior, others will either encourage you when you do it the ‘correct’ way or adjust your behavior when it’s ‘wrong’.

  4. Internalization:

    At this point, you need very little reinforcement. You may still have to pay attention to what you’re doing, but with time and with practice, the process will become more ‘natural’. You not only know how to behave, but you also internalize the values and beliefs that go with the right behavior.

  5. Spontaneous Manifestation:

    You are able to behave in the ‘right way’ without having to pay conscious attention to what you’re doing. It is now a ‘natural’ process.

Self-reflection:

Think about a time when you lived in a different culture for a length of time (it doesn’t have to be another country, it could be moving from a rural to urban centre, etc.).

  • What are some of the behavioral observations you made at step 1?
  • Who reinforced the ‘right’ behavior at step 3?
  • What 1-2 behaviors are now ‘natural’ for you at step 5 (if you’ve lived in another culture)?
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