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Personal Culture

Decent Essays

My Personal Cultural Background

Kim Stringfield-Davis

University of Phoenix

Soc/315

November 20, 2008
My Personal Cultural Background Within this paper this student will discuss how the aspects of ones cultural background can shape and define the structure of their being. By analyzing each source of ones cultural programming, one can define the how and why of different behaviors, beliefs, and morals. Individuals draw from multiple sources that form their personality and character and this paper will discuss those factors that defined this student. While reflecting on the different cultural elements that have influenced my life, it is hard to determine which would be classified as the most significant or the most …show more content…

Though my siblings taught me a lot in regards to hierarchy, they also taught me about loyalty and trust. Whenever our parents were “on us” we always could bond together and present a united front. Having this support system gave me confidence and security when dealing with others in social situations. Being born in a rural Tennessee town has contributed to my cultural programming as well. The atmosphere of this town was one of extended family, security and safety. This was especially so as a child. People were open and caring, communities felt a responsibility to other families in their community and everyone “looked out” for one another. After becoming an adult and moving north to Maryland, it was such a stark contrast to the environment in which I grew up. People were very private, families were made up of only blood relatives, and it was unheard of to show signs of family discord. Having experienced both regions, it only made me appreciate the environment in which I was raised, and was able to raise my children. Being female in this region has also contributed in my cultural makeup. Southern men, or the majority of them, hold a deep respect for women and the place they hold in society. In the early sixties, women were mainly homemakers and mothers, but that stigma has slowly deteriorated and now being female has rarely held me back from achieving any professional position I desired. I have been employed

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