Reference no: EM133986100

Question 

In each of the following cases, the behavior illustrated seems to suggest that the people's values differ significantly from our own. Consider the possibility that, beneath appearances, the values are similar. Develop a plausible explanation for the difference in behavior.

1. In one culture, the elderly and those with severe handicaps are put to death. It would appear that this culture does not recognize human dignity as a value.

2. In another culture, this habit is observed: A person will ask a relative to do task that requires days of labor and, when it is completed, never even thank the relative. On the other hand, if a stranger renders anyone the slightest service, the stranger is lavishly rewarded. It would appear that a sense of fairness is lacking in this culture.

3. Members of a tribe living in a remote jungle area commonly shun the sick. The moment members of the tribe become seriously ill, they cease to exist in the tribe's view. They must leave the village and care for themselves. If they recover, however, they are restored to tribal membership. Apparently, the tribe lacks compassion for the afflicted.

4. A group of young boys are gathered together. Several men approach them, brandishing sticks and whips. They beat the boys viciously. The other male members of the tribe sit by and watch, laughing and obviously enjoying the event. It would seem that the men of this culture are sadistic, deriving pleasure from seeing others in pain.

5. Whenever hunters in a certain culture are asked how their day's hunting went, they say "very well" and go on to declare that their relatives and friends and ancestors will be pleased with them. They say this whether they return heavily laden or empty-handed. It appears that truth-telling has no value in this culture.

6. One woman finds another eating a piece of wild fruit. She calls to her neighbors and they stone the offender to death. Because the punishment does not fi t the crime, it would appear that this culture lacks a sense of proportion and fails to recognize the value of human life.

7. In an island culture, the men are seen returning from a fi shing expedition. One man runs his canoe happily up on the beach. The villagers cheer him. Then a second canoe arrives. The second fisherman leaps out, runs to the first man, seizes his basket of fish, and throws it into the sea. He goes unpunished. The tribe seems to tolerate stealing.

8. In some technologically advanced cultures, young people are "tracked" early in life to certain locations and training programs. As adults, they have few career options and are expected to follow a path chosen for them. Apparently, the cultures do not value self-determination and individual well-being.