So why is culture such a big deal? A little research reveals that culture really goes to the depths of what defines a person. Culture is so difficult to fully explain that many definitions have been offered. One definition from Texas A&M university outlines it as the following:
“Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles, spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and material objects and possessions acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group striving”.
In other words, culture infiltrates our interactions on almost every subject and approach to life.
Culture infiltrates our interactions on almost every subject and approach to life. It’s a big deal! Click To Tweet
Culture can’t be ignored. In light of this definition, it is safe to say that culture, which permeates through so many aspects of our lives, will undoubtedly have an impact on marriage. You may not have realised that some of the issues you are facing are cultural, but step back and take a second look at the things you have been squabbling about. Why is it that you feel so strongly? Why is it that you feel your spouse is wrong and your way is the only way to do something? It is very possible that it all boils down to cultural differences. The greater the cross-cultural differences in a relationship the greater the need for learning about each other’s cultures and understanding each other’s backgrounds. Taking time to understand why your spouse thinks the way they do can transform your marriage.
Extract from the Cross-Cultural Marriage book
Coming soon!
by Lainey Hitchman
