I S A B E L L A , L E A N N E , A N I KA A N D A L E X I .

THE SOCIOCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

THEORY

GENERAL PHRASE

The cultural group experience forms the

individual self regardless of biological features.

ORIGINS

ZONE OF PROXIMAL DEVELOPMENT

http://www.firstyears.org/c1/u5/zpd.htm

DEVELOPMENT

http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/vygotsky.htm

KEY CONCEPTS

Interactions

Self Enculturation

Culture

CULTURE

• Manheim argues that culture is defined by the dominant social class.

Illustrative example : France and Wine culture.

• Eliot defines culture in relation to geographical context.

Illustrative example: the abundance of rice in Asian cuisine

INTERACTIONS

• A form of active engagement with an object or group, that develops the formation of self identity and knowledge.

• For example : Interaction as a child with toys builds motor and coordination skills, but also builds knowledge through associations.

ENCULTURATION

• The gradual acquisition of the knowledge, characteristics, biases and norms of a culture, learnt through interaction in a group.

• In other words, the learning and gathering of behavioural and cognitive traits from a group or culture

SELF

• The construction of an individual’s identity through both cultural groups and individually.• Sociocultural theorists are mainly concerned with

the interaction within a group, and the gain of similar traits to the group involved.

• Example:

KEY IDEAS OF S.C THEORY

• Focus is on the characteristics of the interaction between people rather than on individual characteristics.

• Roles, rules, cultural values and meaning are established through interaction.

• Language reflects differences in culture, and is then recreated by an individual’s choice of language to represent/reject a certain culture

LIMITATIONS

• S.C theory looks at the world through a very wide lens.

• S.C theorists take into account many different aspects; Peers, cultural groups, roles, cultural norms and rules are worked into decision-making and language forming features.

• It focuses on patterns of interaction rather than an individual’s characteristics and free will.

• An individual may dispute or reject certain aspects of a culture.

ANIKA’S EXAMPLE…

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES EXAMPLE 1

• A child gaining knowledge through playing at a preschool.

• Similarity: A child learns from engagement.

• Difference: Meaning is created through enculturation, the interactivity with an object.

Constructivist Theory

• A child gaining knowledge through playing at a preschool.

• Similarity: Learning through engagement.

• Difference: Focussed on the individual’s mental patterns which create meaning for the individual.

Sociocultural Theory

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES EXAMPLE 2S.C Theorist attempts to

evaluate an individual with a problem

• Will evaluate the problem through a much wider lens, taking into account cultural aspects which in turn impact and aid learning abilities.

• S.C theory in practice:• Getting assistance from a

peer with a Uni project, interpreting meaning and gaining knowledge.

Constructivist theorist attempts to evaluate an

individual with a problem

• A constructive theorist is concerned solely with the individual, their personal ability to ‘make sense’ of a new situation and learn from it.

• S.C theory in practice• Attempting a Uni

project by yourself.

TIM GOONEY THEORY

• Gooney (2008) explains that people tend to associate with their own culture proving that we are formed by culture.

• This is a result of the shared opinions, values and beliefs that resinate within a particular culture.

Example:

HOW DOES SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY FIT INTO COMMUNICATION?

• It is essential to consider sociocultural theory in order to effectively communicate between individuals.

-> Through language determined by culture -> Through common language and emotional connotations constructed by cultural and social interactions.

• => James Averill (1980) argues that individuals can comprehend more efficiently through the prism of what is already known.

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES

Guided participation theory• Is the process of children acquiring new skills and

capabilities through relationships with adults or parents.• Emphasis is placed on children initiating their own

cognitive growth and the way parents assist and guide these intellectual developments.• Closely linked to Lev Vygotsky’s ‘zone of proximal

development’.• Emphasizes non-verbal communication.

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVESConstructivist theory

• Suggests humans gain knowledge and an understanding from their experiences in both a social and individual sense.• Giyoo Hatano was successful in bridging the gap

between the sociocultural theory and the constructivist theory of learning.• Jean Piaget (Swiss cognitive Psychologist)• Piaget introduced 2 essential principles that guide

intellectual growth and biological development. (adaption and organization)

http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

RATIONALE

• Determines human behavior in regards to how cultures control it rather than individual characteristics.• Its used in conjunction with interpersonal

pressures to conform.

THE S.C PERSUASION STRATEGY

Persuasive message.

Defines (or redefines) cultural requirements or group norms, roles, ranks, and sanctions.

Forming or altering definitions of socially approved behaviour for group members.

Achieves change in direction of overt behaviour.

SUMMARY

One’s self and social identity is learnt through

cultural interaction facilitated by

communication.

REFERENCES• Averill, J. 1980, On the Paucity of Positive Emotions, Assessment and

Modification of Emotional Behavior, America, New-York, pp.7-45.• Elliot, T.S 1948, Notes Towards the Definition of Culture, Faber and

Faber, London, pp.124• Manheim, K. 1956, Essays on the Sociology of Culture, Routledgeand

Kegan Paul, London, pp. 80-95.