Final answer:
Culture shock is a sense of disorientation individuals feel when exposed to a new culture, leading to emotions like estrangement and homesickness. It is exacerbated by ethnocentrism, the belief in the superiority of one's own culture. Adaptation can be complex and requires an individual to reconcile their cultural identity with the new cultural environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Culture Shock and Ethnocentrism
When an individual experiences the intrusion of cultural differences into their self-image and feelings of security, they are likely undergoing culture shock. This phenomenon, first described by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg in 1960, includes a range of emotions such as estrangement, anger, and homesickness. Culture shock can strike both travelers and those who move to a new cultural environment, leading to an initial rejection of the unfamiliar culture and idealization of one's own. This response is often triggered by confrontation with different social norms, language barriers, and a sense of loss regarding one's cultural identity.
Individuals experiencing culture shock may exhibit behaviors that reflect their struggle to adjust; for example, a student from China may find American classroom dynamics frustrating due to differing cultural etiquettes around communication. As individuals adapt, they often move from rejection to gradual acceptance and may develop a more nuanced understanding of both their home and new cultures. However, the path to adaptation is not without challenges, and it can take a significant amount of time and personal growth.
Ethnocentrism, or the belief that one's own culture is superior to others, can exacerbate the difficulties associated with culture shock. It can lead to conflict and misunderstandings, as individuals may view their new surroundings with disdain instead of approaching them with an open and appreciative mindset. Finding common ground between cultures and developing an inclusive perspective is vital to overcoming these barriers.