CUL - Cultural Beliefs and Social Structures [LESSON]
Cultural Beliefs and Social Structures
Have you ever experienced “culture shock?” If you’ve traveled very much, you probably have. It is when you visit a new place, and the cultural practices and expectations are different. So different, that it can be “shocking.” Different cultures have different beliefs about elements like gender and perceptions of race and ethnicity. Each culture has a structure to their society. Understanding those differences in structure is crucial to a well-rounded understanding of the world. Sadly, in many places of the world women and minority racial groups and ethnicities are mistreated. If we are to do anything about it as a global community, the first step is knowing about it. Past and present. In this lesson, we will confront difficult topics such as the caste system in India, apartheid in South Africa, and legal rights of women around the world.
Guide Point 🧭
Cultural Beliefs and Social Structures
The Caste System in India
The caste system in India, rooted in ancient Vedic literature, organized society into four primary categories, each with subdivisions, based on cultural beliefs such as dharma and karma. This hierarchical social structure assigned specific occupational roles and limited social mobility, imposing rules on interactions. While legally outlawed in the mid-20th century, the caste system persists in areas of modern-day India, especially in rural India, outside of major cities. This has led to presenting challenges like discrimination of lower castes. Ongoing reforms and initiatives strive for inclusivity, reflecting cultural evolution. This system illustrates the interplay between cultural beliefs, societal structures, and the resilience of communities in shaping India's social landscape.
Apartheid in South Africa
As the caste system in India was drawing to at least a legal end in India, Apartheid was at its legal beginning in South Africa. Instituted in 1948, Apartheid systematically enforced racial separation based on cultural beliefs of racial superiority. The impact was widespread, affecting daily life through segregated facilities and limited opportunities for non-white South Africans, even though non-white South Africans were much of the population. Resistance movements, led by figures like Nelson Mandela (pictured), demonstrated resilience. Since its legal abolition in 1994, efforts like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and cultural initiatives aimed at reconciliation and healing have played a crucial role. The global response, including international sanctions and condemnation of Apartheid policies, reflected a shared commitment against racial discrimination. Contemporary challenges persist in South Africa, but ongoing initiatives focus on addressing economic disparities and fostering a shared national identity.
Legal Rights for Women
Legal rights for women worldwide reveal diversity shaped by cultural beliefs. Examining this terrain reveals varying societal expectations, roles, and legal statuses influenced by cultural norms. Case studies from different cultural contexts illustrate the intersection of cultural beliefs and women's legal rights, highlighting victories, challenges, and ongoing struggles. Landmark legal reforms, addressing issues like domestic violence and workplace discrimination, underscore global progress. Yet, cultural barriers persist, hindering the full realization of equal rights. For example, in Saudi Arabia, landmark legal reforms have been introduced in recent years, allowing women to drive and travel without a male guardian's permission. These changes reflect a shift in cultural beliefs and legal frameworks, although challenges persist in the form of deeply ingrained gender norms. Similarly, in Sweden, a country known for its progressive stance on gender equality, legal reforms have targeted workplace discrimination and parental leave policies, showcasing a commitment to challenging traditional gender roles. The case studies of Saudi Arabia and Sweden offer insights into the victories, challenges, and the ongoing struggle for women's equal rights within distinct cultural contexts. In general, high-income countries tend to have greater legal rights and protections for women compared to low-income countries.
Cultural Beliefs and Social Structures | Practice Activity
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Reflection
In exploring the impact of cultural beliefs on gender roles and the perceptions of race and ethnicity, this lesson explored the relationship between cultural norms and societal structures. We examined the historical roots of systems like the caste system in India and apartheid in South Africa, scrutinizing the enduring effects of cultural beliefs on daily life and the resilient efforts to overcome such challenges. We then shifted our focus to the global panorama of legal rights for women, recognizing the diversity of landscapes shaped by cultural influences. Case studies illuminated the victories and struggles within different cultural contexts, emphasizing the ongoing need for legal reforms to foster gender equality. Looking ahead to our next lesson on cultural diffusion, we will explore the dynamic exchange of cultural elements across societies, further understanding how beliefs, practices, and innovations spread and influence global culture.
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