A clear example of a social and cultural perspective is how one's upbringing within a specific cultural environment shapes views and behaviors, such as decisions about premarital sex based on religious values.
Understanding Social and Cultural Perspectives
A social and cultural perspective emphasizes how our environment – including our society, cultural norms, beliefs, and values – profoundly influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Individuals are products of their cultural contexts, which provide a framework for understanding the world and appropriate behavior.
A Specific Example
Based on the provided reference, a tangible example of a social and cultural perspective in action is:
- Cultural Influence on Behavior: Individuals from different cultures will view behavior differently based on their environment.
- Religious Values and Norms: If someone is from a culture that is very religious they may not participate in premarital sex because the culture they belong to has values they learned as an individual living in that culture.
This example highlights how a specific cultural element (religious beliefs) translates into a social norm (abstinence before marriage) that is learned and adopted by individuals within that culture, directly influencing their personal choices and behaviors.
This perspective demonstrates that what is considered 'normal' or acceptable behavior is not universal but is instead shaped by the social and cultural context in which a person is raised.
