How do Stereotypes Affect Me?
Stereotypes and perceptions existent in today's modern world allow humans to come together in separate groups and create a society, in which cultures form different subgroups that coexist among each other based on their perceived roles. The dominant culture is one that is in majority or power within the society. Numerous subcultures accompany this group. This creates cultural pluralism, "in which each ethnic group retains its fundamental values and norms incorporated from elements from the others" (Leeder). A culture is different from a stereotype, as multiple stereotypes may exist differently within each culture. Discrimination against other cultures often results from ethnocentrism, or a belief of superiority to other cultures (Leeder). As this continues, a refusal or resistance of acculturation, "acceptance of dominant group's values" (Leeder), may occur among minorities and raise tension.
Families and Functions
The function and function of peoples' families and behaviors, are some of the many things that vary from culture to culture. Structure and function are the key sociological functions within the linear functioning of a family (Georgas). In general, there are two principal types of two generation families: a nuclear family "consists of two generations: the wife/mother, husband/father, and their children" (Georgas), while a one-parent family only contains a divorced or single parent with children (Georgas). Kinship relationships in cultures vary widely, including those pertaining marriage, inheritance, and residence (Georgas).
Globalization and business practices that many perhaps encounter daily are influenced by culture. Cultural policies in face of stagnation and economic insecurity harden international political relationships in a true clash of culture (Azzarita). Informing oneself of cultural concerns and differences is shown to improve globalization, increase trade/imports/exports, and even yield a small effect on local economy (Azzarita).