Activity 1.1.1 Cultural Values

Purpose

To understand core beliefs and acknowledge changes in self-development

Materials

Workbook/journal

Time

30 mins

Method

1. Discuss with participants the idea that cultural values are learned throughout their lives. These values often come from parents, family and friends who surrounded them as they developed. Many societies are made up of different cultures, and different cultural values.
2. Facilitators should brainstorm with participants to identify familiar cultural values and note these on a blackboard or flipchart.
3. The following is a list of a few examples of cultural values that can be used to promote discussion:
   • be religious, believe in God, and attend church, synagogue, mosque, etc.
   • be practical and use common sense
   • be skeptical about things that cannot be easily proven
   • education in the arts and science is important
   • be true to yourself and make your own way in life
   • develop contacts and get to know the “right” people
   • some occupations are better than others
   • all work has dignity regardless of what it is
   • family comes first
   • a balance of physical and mental activity is important
   • money is power
   • money should be saved, not squandered
   • be humble about your talents
   • success is not based on winning, but on how hard you tried
   • a woman’s place is in the home
   • children should be seen and not heard
   • competition aids motivation
4. Based on the group list, participants should create their own list of about five values. These might be the same as some of the values in the group list or completely different. Have participants record their reflections on how their values developed. Where did they come from? Who or what in their lives shaped their values the most?
5. Ask participants to keep this list to see if these values will change after doing activities in each unit.

Skip footnote section