NCJ Number
116190
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 89-94
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Cross-cultural studies show that children believe the nature and function of rules and laws are almost universally the same.
Abstract
Authority figures are as important nation to nation whether people share notions about legitimacy or not. Compliance patterns for instance, by the father, mother, teacher, and policeman were most noticeable across six of seven cultures. The goal is, therefore, to decode the various cultural styles of behavior and establish more efficient strategies of communication. Sex and age are other 'road maps' for interactive communication, but the overall objective is to enhance the ability to read meaning into more refined, subtle, and individualistic expressions of behavior. Culture has analytic value as applied to groups, but not to individuals. A culture may reveal itself in an individual, but individuals do not necessarily share all elements of the culture which characterizes that particular group as a whole. Ethnic considerations must be applied to individuals as well as to relationships between cultures, behavior and the individual. If we apply cultural knowledge in terms of probability (such as how he or she has organized and integrated behavior and attitudes within the group's cultural rules, we can better understand how personality is shaped and we can deal appropriately with it. Three areas in the Chinese perspective are addressed: (1) The organization of family and the extreme concern for interpersonal relationships: (2) The avoidance of expressing the inner feelings, thoughts, and problems to others, particularly if the feelings are negative: and (3) A distinct change among the younger generation towards the nuclear family. It is my hope that this will be the first of a series of articles on blacks, Hispanics, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, etc.) addressing ethnic considerations and cultural characteristics that will enhance the administration of justice for practitioners in the U.S. (Author abstract)