Cultural Autobiography Report: British and Indian Cultures Analysis

This report presents an in-depth analysis of two cultural autobiographies, comparing and contrasting the cultures of the author and a classmate of Indian origin living in Britain. The report begins with an introduction to the concept of culture and its impact on individual behavior. The main body of the report includes biographical sketches, highlighting similarities and differences in emotional responses, collectivism versus individualism, and masculine versus feminine traits. The analysis extends to the application of cultural frameworks, including high and low context cultures, Hofstede's cultural dimensions (individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity), and the Seven Dimensions Model (universalism/particularism, neutral/emotional), to further understand the cultural nuances. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding culture in shaping individual personalities and decision-making processes, offering valuable insights into the complexities of cross-cultural interactions.

INDIVIDUAL
REPORT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Biographies.................................................................................................................................1
Similarities between Biographies................................................................................................1
Differences between Biographies...............................................................................................2
Cultural Frameworks...................................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7
APPENDICES.................................................................................................................................8
Appendix 1..................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Culture is a combination of certain value systems, beliefs and norms that are followed by
a person as per their cultural practice. In addition to this, culture of an individual is important to
be understood in order to evaluate the factors which could possibly influence the response as
well as decisions taken by them throughout their academic and professional career (YANG,
WONG and LI, 2019). Hence, in this context, below are two appropriate cultural
autobiographies, based on a certain cultural autobiography questionnaire. In addition, the report
also covers an appropriate and essential implementation of several cultural frameworks which is
necessary to evaluate the differences and similarities between different cultures presented within
the questionnaire.
MAIN BODY
Biographies
Biographies refer to a detailed and effective description of life of an individual. It is an
appropriate practice as it enables individuals to evaluate in detail about aspects of their lives and
cultures which are related towards their academic and professional performance (Berry and
Dasen, 2019). Hence, in this relation, below is an evaluation of two biographies of me as well as
one of my classmates, Tanya, who currently lives in Britain but was born and brought up in India
(Refer to Appendix 1).
Similarities between Biographies
As per the questionnaires, there are certain similarities between the cultures presented
within the same. In addition to this, these similarities determine how best different societies and
practices align appropriately and effectively. Hence, in relation to this, the similarities between
cultures of me and my classmate Tanya are elaborated below:
BASIS SIMILARITIES
Avoidance of
Uncertainty
One of the most prominent similarities between these cultures is associated
with the responses towards uncertainty and ambiguous situations. For
example, the response of Tanya showed that she adjusts several things in
case an ambiguous situation arises. Furthermore, even I consider
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adjustments in dealing with uncertain and ambiguous situations despite of
taking corrective actions before the same.
Gender Roles
Within both the cultures, the roles within genders are clearly defined and
stated. Despite the approach of individuals of different cultures, the roles of
males and females are separated, defined and communicated in an essential
manner which is related to the similarity in both the cultures to have an
awareness of genders (Lam and et. al., 2015).
Differences between Biographies
Despite the similarities within both the cultures, there are certain prominent differences
which are necessary to be determined in relation to appropriately discuss and highlight practices
within different societies in an effective manner. In addition, this would also enable in
determining the behaviour pattern, as well as their decisions and responses through evaluating
factors which could lead to differentiation (Thomas and Peterson, 2016).
Hence, the differentiation between the British and Indian culture as per the questionnaire
is discussed as under:
Basis Myself Tanya
Emotional
Responses
I hide my emotions quite
effectively as I do not feel
comfortable by reacting on certain
aspects when I am in a public
space. Hence, this makes my
emotional quotient quite lower in
comparison to others, as I am very
much appropriate in hiding the
emotions from others.
In contrast, Tanya has a quite high
emotional awareness as she is very
much expressive in showcasing her
emotions (French, 2015). For
instance, her response to the question
reflects that she cries when she feels
sad, which showcases that her
emotional quotient is comparatively
higher than me.
Collectivism I am quite individualistic as the
culture which I belong in fosters
individualism and is not inclined
towards collectivism. Moreover,
I this context, culture of Tanya is
highly collectivist. This could
appropriately be determined by the
responses which determines that the
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according to my response, my
family structure also fosters and
preaches individualism as there is a
complete authority provided to me
for taking decisions effectively. In
addition to this, each of my family
members are inclined towards
providing autonomy in giving
responsibilities of my own actions,
which further enhances my
individualistic lifestyle.
culture she belongs to focuses on a
collective approach of taking
decisions and moulding their
lifestyles effectively. In addition to
this, society and culture play crucial
roles in determining the mindset and
lifestyle of Tanya as shown by her
responses and hence, she is more
inclined towards collectivism than I
am.
Masculinity and
Femininity
I am quite masculine, meaning, I
am very much competitive as my
culture supports competition
between different genders and
individuals effectively.
Furthermore, I take competition
quite seriously despite the gender
and activity which I am required to
perform.
Tanya is very much cooperative as
she belongs to an effective family
with with a conservative structure.
Moreover, as per her responses, she is
very much comfortable in cooperating
with restrictions in her role and
effectively moulds her lifestyle in
relation to the same (Kim, 2015).
Adherence to
Religion
I adhere to religion till a certain
extent, which does not contradict
with my personal beliefs.
Moreover, I have always
considered education and personal
experience as an influencing factors
in relation to my decisions as well
as the way I perform different
activities that are asked from me.
In comparison, Tanya is quite
influenced with religion and has a
certain and evident level of adherence
to its practices and values according
to the response provided by her.
Moreover, religion is given utmost
importance in her family and culture,
which is reflected through her actions
and way she performs the tasks
provided to her.
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Communication
My communication has an active
role of words and phrases, along
with clarity in messages to ensure
that person(s) I am communicating
understand the message with the
same perception as it is being
delivered to them. In addition to
this, I use less physical gestures
and facial expressions as I feel that
clarity and precision in
communication is very important.
In contrast, an implicit approach is
adopted by Tanya to communicate as
she uses facial expressions and
physical gestures to communicate
which decreases the uses of words in
order to align the perceptions related
to the messages effectively.
Cultural Frameworks
As per the above display of biographies, it could be determined that there are several
differences as well as similarities within different cultures that were explained effectively before.
In addition to this, it is necessary that proper and effective analysis is performed to evaluate these
differences and similarities through usage of specific frameworks. The reason for this is because
such implementation would allow in enhancing the understanding of individuals and their
different cultures which persuades and influences their way of living and their decisions (Bird
and Mendenhall, 2016).
Hence, to evaluate the British and Indian Cultures as per responses of Myself and Tanya,
there are several cultural frameworks that are described below:
High and Low Context Cultures:
This cultural framework is associated with intercultural communication which is related
to how individuals in different cultures communicate within their social groups. Furthermore, to
emphasise on the same, this framework provides the focus upon direct and indirect
communication. Hence, there are two ends of this framework that are explained in detail below:
 High Context Culture:
Such a culture relies upon implicit communication as well as non-verbal cues.
Furthermore, the communication which is facilitated within this type of culture requires effective
background information for the message to be appropriately understood. In addition to this,
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several traits such as interaction, territoriality, and trust building could be found in people who
belong to this culture. Tanya belongs to a high context culture, as she uses physical gestures and
facial expressions rather than explicitly using words to communicate.
 Low Context Culture:
This type of culture is dependant upon explicit communication. Information in this type
of communication is passed on through usage of words and are quite effectively defined. As for
their traits, they have quick relationships, messages are quite explicit and verbal, as well as,
privacy and space are valued effectively. According to my responses, I belong to a low context
culture as I believe in using words to communicate and transfer my messages effectively.
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions:
Each country is different from others and this difference could be evaluated through
several parameters or dimensions which are determinants associated with showcasing cultural
differences (Hareven, 2018). Hence, some of these parameters are evaluated below as per the
evaluation of both British and Indian Cultures:
 Individualism and Collectivism:
This dimension deals with the extent up to which people take care of themselves as well
as that of society. The higher side of this aspect is individualism, which is related to persons who
are concerned about just themselves and their immediate families. On the other side, the lower
side is associated with Collectivism, which represents preferences of individuals who are willing
to concern for the whole society while taking decisions. In this context, I belong to a
individualistic society as I have always been concerned about taking decisions that are best for
me, rather than concerning the society. On the other hand, Tanya belongs to a collectivist culture,
as her decisions are heavily influenced by the society and her cultural norms as was reflected by
her responses.
 Masculinity and Femininity:
This dimension deals with the extent up to which individuals are competitive or
cooperative amongst their societies. For instance, masculine cultures represent aspects such as
sense of achievement assertiveness and competition prevailing within the society. On the other
hand, feminine societies are the ones which have high cooperation, caring and modesty within
their actions and preferences. In this context, the British Culture in which I belong to is highly
masculine, as the society fosters competition and material rewards for successes within the
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society. On the other hand, the Indian Culture stands higher on the Feminine context, meaning
that the culture within the country is quite cooperative and is willing to indulge in enhancing the
quality of the weak individuals of the society, hence, being consensus-oriented.
The Seven Dimensions Model:
Each culture is significantly different and has several prominent and concrete factors that
could differentiate different societies among themselves (Walsh, 2015). The reason for this is
because each culture works with their own notion and thinking process which influences their
actions. Within the responses, there are several factors that could be used to evaluate the
practices and values and belief systems of these cultures. Hence, some of these are discussed
below:
Universalism Vs. Particularism:
In context of Universalism, individuals have a very prominent place in life in context of
following rules, cultural norms as well as obligations set by them. Moreover, these rules govern
their way of living, their relationships and decision making. Tanya belonged to such a culture as
religion is one of the most crucial factors for her. On the other hand, Particularism is the
phenomenon under which individuals are dictated by the rules they live by, which may be a
social construction through education and personal experiences. My culture belongs to
particularism as while religion is adopted and valued within the society, the influencing factors
for decisions are past experiences, current knowledge and education.
Neutral Vs. Emotional:
In relation to Neutral, people tend to make immense efforts to control and hide their
emotions. In this context, I am neutral as I am effective enough in hiding my emotions in an
effective manner and do not showcase what is being felt by me at the current moment. On the
other hand, Emotional individuals tend to find distinct ways to express their emotions which
could even be spontaneous. Tanya belongs to a culture which is inclined towards showcasing
their emotions as reflected by her response of crying in sad situations (McKenna, 2017).
CONCLUSION
Thus, from the above report, it is concluded that culture is an important element which
shapes up personality of an individual, along with appropriately governing their decisions and
way of living. Evaluation of differentiation and similarities between certain cultures allows in
analysing the guiding principles which these cultures follow that is related towards guiding the
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behaviour and lifestyles of these individuals. Lastly, application of several cultural frameworks
enable in specifying the aspects and extent of differentiation of different cultures effectively.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Berry, J.W. and Dasen, P.R., 2019. Culture and cognition: Readings in cross-cultural
psychology. Routledge.
Bird, A. and Mendenhall, M.E., 2016. From cross-cultural management to global leadership:
Evolution and adaptation. Journal of World Business. 51(1). pp.115-126.
French, R., 2015. Cross-cultural management in work organisations. Kogan Page Publishers.
Hareven, T.K., 2018. Families, history and social change: Life course and cross-cultural
perspectives. Routledge.
Kim, Y.Y., 2015. Finding a “home” beyond culture: The emergence of intercultural personhood
in the globalizing world. International journal of intercultural relations. 46. pp.3-12.
Lam, J., and et. al., 2015. Hydrogel design of experiments methodology to optimize hydrogel for
iPSC‐NPC culture. Advanced healthcare materials. 4(4). pp.534-539.
McKenna, J.J., 2017. Parental supplements and surrogates among primates: cross-species and
cross-cultural comparisons. In Parenting across the Life Span (pp. 143-184). Routledge.
Thomas, D.C. and Peterson, M.F., 2016. Cross-cultural management: Essential concepts. Sage
Publications.
Walsh, R., 2015. What is wisdom? Cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary syntheses. Review of
General Psychology. 19(3). pp.278-293.
YANG, L., WONG, B. and LI, L., 2019. Culture and memory. Clinical Cultural Neuroscience:
An Integrative Approach to Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology. p.81.
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Cultural Autobiography Questionnaire
Questions Myself Tanya
Q1. How would you handle a
risky situation? HOF
I tend to keep things simple
and work effectively to solve
such a situation, through
adjustments and taking
calculative steps. If I feel
desirable towards a particular
aspect, I include the same
within my work despite the
risk factor.
I try to work in a way where
there is no risk, through
analysing and calculating the
risk beforehand. However, if
an ambiguous situation arises,
I tend to adjust several things
which could suit the situation.
Q2. How do you express your
feelings in a sad situation?
SEV
I tend to control my feelings as
hard as I can do and I usually
do not express my feelings to
others during a sad situation.
I usually express my feelings
in a sad situation through
crying in front of individuals
who are close to me.
Q3. Can you describe your
family structure?HOF
I have a nuclear family, with
my mother, father and me
being the only members of the
family. Moreover, there is a
high level of individuality
within my family where each
person takes their own
decision based on what is best
for them.
I used to live in an extended
family before coming to the
country with grandparents,
uncles, cousins and so forth.
My family structure is a highly
collectivist one, where each
decision and practice
performed by us is influenced
by the culture and society.
Q4. Are the roles of men and
women separately defined in
your family structure? If so,
The roles of men and women
in my family are defined
appropriately. That is, while
The clarity in roles of men and
women in my family is
reflected through the fact that
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explain them? HOF
my father is the provider of the
family, my mother handles
both the insider household
duties as well as managers her
work. My parents are
somewhat competitive in
carrying out their roles within
the household.
my males are expected to be
the provider of the family,
whereas the females of my
household are restricted till
their household duties.
However, there is a high level
of cooperation within these
roles to maintain effective
harmony in the house.
Q5. How is religion
established in your family?
SEV
Religion is valued within my
household but is not imposed
on anyone. For instance, while
I follow certain practices, I live
by learning from my own
experiences effectively.
Religion has a prominent place
in my household and my
lifestyle is very much
governed through the norms,
rules and laws set out by the
culture and society.
Q6. How do you tend to
communicate with your
colleagues and peers? ED
I like to communicate directly
to people by using direct and
phrases and verbal cues.
I tend to communicate using a
lot of bodily gestures and
facial expressions to
communicate with other
person. Moreover, I tend to
interact by keeping my verbal
messages quite indirect.
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