Exploring Dominant Culture: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Dominant culture refers to the mainstream culture that exists within a society, which may be overpowering or dominating over other ethnic or sub-cultures. Culture plays a vital role in shaping an individual’s personality and society as a whole. It encompasses language, beliefs, customs, traditions, and values shared by a community of people.
Understanding Dominant Culture
Dominant culture is the most powerful culture in a society and sets the standard for what is considered normal and acceptable. It represents the mainstream cultural practices, beliefs and behaviors that are widely accepted within the community. These cultural norms are often pushed upon minorities and subcultures, leading to feelings of oppression, marginalization, and exclusion.
For instance, in Western societies, the dominant culture focuses on individualism and competitiveness. People are expected to be independent, assertive and ambitious. Conversely, in some other cultures, people value collectivism, communalism, and group harmony. In such societies, group loyalty, cooperation, and social cohesion are highly valued.
Why Does Dominant Culture Matter?
Dominant culture has a significant impact on society. It influences the way people view the world and themselves and shapes social norms and expectations. The dominant culture affects various aspects of life, including politics, education, media, and the economy. Therefore, understanding the impact of dominant culture is crucial for creating a more inclusive society.
Dominant culture can also be detrimental to minority groups, as it perpetuates systems of inequality and discrimination. It creates a society where individuals from marginalized groups may experience exclusion and may be prevented from accessing opportunities afforded to those in the dominant culture. A society that values diversity, equity, and inclusion can benefit everyone.
Breaking Down Barriers
It is necessary to recognize and challenge the dominant culture’s norms and assumptions to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Change begins with awareness. Once we become aware of the cultural norms we take for granted, we can start to see the biases that may be present, which may be restricting minority groups from accessing opportunities or causing them to feel excluded or marginalized.
Organizations can foster a more inclusive culture by providing equal opportunities to all members, regardless of their ethnicity or cultural background. This means examining workplace policies and practices and addressing potential cultural biases. Employers can also encourage workplace diversity by seeking out candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Conclusion
The understanding of dominant culture is critical for creating a more inclusive society. Dominant culture exerts a tremendous influence on social norms, values, and beliefs, and plays a significant role in shaping individual identities. It is essential to have an inclusive culture that recognizes and respects all cultures, to break down barriers, and to create opportunities for all, regardless of their ethnicity, culture, or background.
