Breaking Cultural Norms: A Psychological Perspective with Real-life Examples
Culture is an essential aspect of life. It defines our way of life, customs, and traditions, but sometimes, cultures are limiting. Societal expectations, values, beliefs, and practices can suppress the individual, creating stress, anxiety, and depression. Breaking cultural norms is a complex process, but it’s becoming more common worldwide as people strive to live more authentic lives. This article delves into the psychological perspective of breaking cultural norms and highlights some real-life examples.
Psychology of Breaking Cultural Norms
Breaking cultural norms can have positive or negative effects on the individual’s well-being. It’s important to note that violating cultural norms is challenging because it requires going against deeply ingrained cultural practices and beliefs. Doing so can create cognitive dissonance, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. However, breaking cultural norms has several benefits, such as personal growth, self-esteem, and increased creativity.
In a study conducted by Andrew J. Elliot and Carol S. Dweck, they discovered that challenging cultural norms fosters creativity. Participants who were asked to write a story about how they broke a rule or norm produced more creative and original stories. The act of breaking cultural norms resulted in creativity stimulation, leading to a higher level of innovative thinking.
Real-life Examples of Breaking Cultural Norms
1. Women in Saudi Arabia Driving
Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world that prohibited women from driving. However, on September 26, 2017, King Salman issued an order allowing women to obtain driving licenses, breaking the cultural norm that had been in place for decades. This change was a significant milestone in the women’s rights movement in Saudi Arabia, empowering them to be more independent and self-sufficient.
2. Asexuality in India
In India, sexual desire is a cultural norm, and societal expectations create significant pressure to engage in sexual activities. However, some individuals are asexual, meaning they don’t experience sexual attraction to any gender. Breaking the cultural norm of compulsory sexual desire empowers asexual individuals to embrace their identity in a society that views sexual activity as necessary.
3. Gender-neutral Pronouns
Gender identity is an essential aspect of many cultures worldwide. However, some individuals don’t identify with binary gender, leading them to feel excluded or misgendered. Using gender-neutral pronouns is a way of breaking the cultural norm of binary gender identity, creating a more inclusive environment and fostering acceptance for individuals who don’t conform to traditional notions of gender.
Conclusion
Breaking cultural norms is an excellent way of empowering individuals to live more authentic lives and fostering creativity and innovation. Although the decision to break cultural norms can have negative effects, such as guilt and anxiety, the benefits outweigh the costs. Real-life examples of breaking cultural norms, such as women in Saudi Arabia driving and asexuality in India, showcase the power of challenging deeply ingrained cultural practices and beliefs. Gender-neutral pronouns represent a step towards creating a more inclusive society, fostering acceptance for individuals who don’t conform to traditional notions of gender.
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