Cross-cultural studies show that different cultures impact the social cognition of individuals differently. Independent and interdependent cultural perspectives are the primary considerations in the study of culture's influence on social cognition. An independent cultural perspective considers an individual as an independent and self-sufficient person distinct from others in society. The schema for self is independent of others (Markus, & Kitayama, 2010). Their preferences and attitudes, therefore, determine an individual's social behavior. In a culture that holds an independent perspective, independence is highly valued, and relying on other people is considered shameful.
An interdependent cultural perspective, on the other hand, emphasizes the needs of a social group over those of an individual. The interconnectedness of individuals with other members of society gives them a form of social identity. An individual's social behavior is, therefore, influenced by social factors such as group memberships and the social roles of a person. A schema for self is interdependent with others in society (Markus, & Kitayama, 2010). Individuals will, therefore, have a sense of themselves that involves their social relationships. In this cultural perspective, individuals are more likely to refer others in a social context. People understand that their actions are contingent on the actions of others in the social setup.
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The two cultural perspectives result in two different self-construal cognitive representations of the self that individuals hold. People with an independent self-construal perceive their traits and attitudes as key to their sense of self (Kitayama et al. 2007). Individuals with an interdependent self-construal, on the other hand, understand their sense of self in the context of their social relationships and social roles (Cheung & Park, 2010). For instance, a few months ago, during a social psychology class, our lecturer requested a few of us to describe what we like about ourselves and our societies. I had so much to say about my traits and abilities but had nothing much to say about other people. I come from a culture with an independent cultural perspective; thus I demonstrated an independent self-construal perception of the self.
Several factors may have influenced my independent self-construal perception. First, I was brought up in a culture that highly values independence and detests depending on others. I had, therefore, developed a sense of self that is based on my personal traits. It was, therefore, natural for me to have so much to describe myself and little about others in the social context. Also, the self-context was well enhanced by the independent cultural perspective (Markus & Kitayama, 2010). I was, therefore, predisposed to express my feelings, goals, and thoughts when allowed to share.
References
Cheung, R. Y., & Park, I. J. (2010). Anger suppression, interdependent self-construal, and depression among Asian American and European American college students. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology , 16 (4), 517.
Kitayama, S., Duffy, S., & Uchida, Y. (2007). Self as cultural mode of being. Handbook of cultural psychology , 136-174.
Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (2010). Cultures and selves: A cycle of mutual constitution. Perspectives on psychological science , 5 (4), 420-430.
