Our behaviours are a reflection of the environments and cultures we operate in. As social animals, we seek acceptance and cohesion within our social groups, and our behaviour is often influenced by the norms and values of these groups. By recognizing the impact of our environment and culture on our behaviour, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and make more intentional choices about the behaviours we adopt.
Many Western societies tend to highly value individuality, which often leads to the notion that our habits and behaviours are solely due to our own decisions and self-determination.
However, the truth is that many, if not most of our behaviours are shaped by the environments we exist in, including our social environment. In this article, we'll explore why and how our behaviours are a reflection of the environments and cultures we operate in, and how humans are social animals who seek acceptance and cohesion within our social groups by doing what everyone else does.
Humans are Social Animals
Humans are social animals, and our desire for social acceptance and cohesion often influences our behaviour. From a young age, we learn to imitate the behaviours of those around us as a way to fit in and gain acceptance from our social group. This is evident in children who imitate the behaviours of their parents, peers, and siblings as a way to learn and adapt to their environment.
As we grow older, our social group expands to include friends, colleagues, and other communities that we belong to, and our behaviour continues to be influenced by the norms and values of these groups.
Culture Shapes Behaviour
Culture also plays a significant role in shaping our behaviour. Our cultural norms and values define what is acceptable behaviour within our society, and we often conform to these norms as a way to gain social acceptance. For example, in some cultures, it's considered rude to speak loudly in public, while in other cultures, it's considered a sign of enthusiasm and energy. Our behaviour is often a reflection of the cultural norms and values that we've been exposed to throughout our lives.
Environments Shape Behaviour
Our physical environment also plays a role in shaping our behaviour. For example, if we live in an area with high crime rates, we may be more likely to adopt behaviours that help us stay safe, such as avoiding certain neighbourhoods or carrying pepper spray. Similarly, if we live in an area with a strong health and wellness culture, we may be more likely to adopt behaviours that support a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods.
Breaking Free from Environmental Influences
While our behaviour is undoubtedly shaped by our environment and culture, it's important to recognize that we have agency and the ability to make independent choices. We can choose to break free from environmental influences that no longer serve us and adopt new behaviours that align with our personal values and goals. However, this is often easier said than done, as it requires breaking away from the social norms and values that we've been conditioned to follow.
Being Independent in an Interdependent World
Making independent decisions can often mean going against an individual's social group, which can be very difficult to navigate. This is especially true when the behaviour change in question involves going against the norms and values of close friends, family, or intimate partners.
For example, it can be challenging for one partner in a relationship to quit smoking or change their eating habits when the other partner does not want to.
Navigating such situations requires tact and careful consideration. Here are five tips for how to help guide you:
Be clear and consistent in your behaviour change: Communicate clearly with your social group about your behaviour change and be consistent in your actions. By being transparent and consistent, you can earn respect and support from those around you, even if they don't fully understand or agree with your behaviour change.
Seek out support from other like-minded individuals: Look for people who share your goals and values and build a support network around yourself. This could involve finding a workout partner or joining a support group for people who are quitting smoking.
Recognise and address the concerns of others: Be empathetic and recognize that your behaviour change may impact those around you. Address their concerns openly and honestly and try to find ways to address their concerns while still staying committed to your behaviour change.
Find compromise where possible: In situations where your behaviour change conflicts with the values or goals of others, try to find a compromise that works for everyone. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, but your partner does not want to change their eating habits, you could agree to cook healthier meals for yourself, while still allowing your partner to eat the foods they enjoy.
Be patient and stay committed: Change takes time, and it's important to be patient and stay committed to your behaviour change. Don't get discouraged if you experience setbacks or resistance from others. Instead, stay focused on your goals, and continue to work towards them, one step at a time.
Comments