Sociocultural Approach

What Is It?

The sociocultural approach focuses on the roles of ethnicity, gender and culture in the formation of personality.

Individualism

Individualism is a social theory that favors freedom for one’s self over collective control.

EX: A person who says they are a nurse instead of referring to themselves as a member of the hospital.

Collectivism

Collectivism is when a person gives groups more priority over their individual self.

EX: A person who says they are a father instead of referring to their occupation.

Comparison

Individualism and collectivism are different because one sees themselves as a part of a group, and the other sees themselves as they are.

They are similar because they both have to do with how one views themselves.

Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

Rogers noted that our self concepts tend to reflect how we believe other people see us.

Believed that children in some families learn that it is bad to have ides of their own. The fear of seeing themselves as wrong, they may have to, in a way, disown themselves.

Believed that we hurt others or act in antisocial ways only when we are frustrated in our efforts to develop our potential.

CARL ROGERS CONTINUED

He proposed the person-centered theory of psychology (people’s self-concepts determine their behavior and relationships with others).

He believed that the relationship between client and therapist was crucial in the treatment of psychological disorders and that a therapist’s unconditional positive regard could help clients undergo psychotherapeutic personality change.

Sociocultural Factors and the Self

The social and cultural factors also affect the self-concept and self-esteem of the individual.

EX: Members of ethnic groups introduced to discrimination and/or poverty may have poor self-concepts and lower self-esteem than those who have not experienced those things.

Acculturation and Self-esteem

Personalities are influenced by more than cultural traits and learning experiences. They are also influenced by the culture around you.

Acculturation is the process of adapting to a new or different culture.

EX: A Russian coming to the United States of America and having to adjust to the American culture.

Evaluation of Approach

Provides valuable insights in the roles of ethnicity, gender, culture and socioeconomic status in personality formation.

The sociocultural perspective also enhances the sensitivity to differences between culture and allows us to appreciate much of human behavior.

Works Cited

http://www.druga.org/~dogsa/Syllabus_SL_11.htm

http://feetintwoworlds.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/reading-carl-rogers/

http://blog.personalgrowthclub.com/balancing-teamwork-and-individualism-a-working-path-to-personal-growth

http://www.collapsingintoconsciousness.com/individualism-or-collectivism/

http://seattlehealinghypnotherapy.com/blog-post/building-confidence-and-self-esteem-with-hypnotherapy/

WORKS CITED CONT.

http://www.evaluationforms.org/examples/

http://www.awaken.com/tag/carl-rogers/

http://blog.melschwartz.com/2013/07/29/self-esteem-or-other-esteem-2/

http://www.customhomedesigns.com.au/building-guide/custom-build-vs-project-build-comparison/