DISCUSSION Assignment
1. Do you agree that our culture is biased toward extraversion? Why or why not?
2. Do you agree that we should place more value on introversion? Why or why not?
3. Can you think of any other traits that we may be biased against culturally in the United States, but
that might actually benefit society? Provide explanation and cite research from this week's readings or otherwise that highlight this cultural bias.
4. Discuss one aspect you learned and found interesting about the cultural role in trait development in the Cultural, Context, and Development of Traits reading.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
1. Personally, I agree that our culture is biased toward extraversion. In Western societies, there is often an emphasis on being sociable, outgoing, and assertive. Extroverts are often seen as attractive, successful, and confident, while introverts can be labeled as shy, quiet, or even socially awkward. This bias is evident in various aspects of our culture, from workplaces that reward assertiveness and teamwork to social situations that prioritize outgoing and gregarious behavior. This bias can create challenges for introverted individuals who may feel pressured to conform to extroverted norms, leading to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion.
2. Yes, I do believe that we should place more value on introversion. Introverts have unique strengths and abilities that can greatly benefit society. They often excel in areas that require deep thinking, reflection, creativity, and attention to detail. Introverts tend to be great listeners and thinkers, which can contribute to more thoughtful decision-making processes. By recognizing and valuing introversion, we can create a more inclusive society that respects and appreciates different personality traits. It is important to promote a balance between extroversion and introversion, as they both have unique contributions to offer.
3. One trait that may be biased against culturally in the United States, but could benefit society, is being bilingual or multilingual. Research has shown that being bilingual has numerous cognitive, cultural, and economic benefits. Bilingual individuals have been found to have enhanced executive functioning, better problem-solving skills, and improved cognitive flexibility. In terms of cultural biases, bilinguals may face discrimination or prejudice due to misunderstandings or stereotypes. This bias against bilingualism can limit the potential benefits that a multilingual society could bring. Embracing and valuing bilingualism can lead to a more inclusive and diverse society.
4. One aspect that I found interesting in the reading on the cultural role in trait development was the concept of collectivism and its impact on individual traits. The reading highlighted how cultures that prioritize collectivism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a group, tend to foster certain personality traits such as interdependence, cooperation, and harmony. In contrast, individualistic cultures, like those typically found in Western societies, value independence, assertiveness, and self-expression. This highlights how cultural values and norms influence the development of personality traits. It made me reflect on how our cultural background shapes our behaviors and preferences, and how understanding cultural differences can help foster better cross-cultural understanding and communication.