Final answer:
Engai, a Masai from Kenya, is more likely to describe himself with terms linked to community and the land, whereas Joseph, an American college student, is apt to use descriptors focused on personal achievement and individuality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on Ma and Schoeneman's (1997) study on self-descriptions, which explores cultural differences in self-concept, one might expect different self-descriptions from individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The Masai's strong sense of community and connection with their environment, as reflected in various ethnographic researches, heavily influences how they perceive themselves. For instance, the Masai, like Engai, are known for their cultural tradition where livestock gifted from Pachamama (Mother Earth) suggests a communal interdependence. This contrast with American college students, such as Joseph, who are often raised in a culture that values individualism, personal achievement, and independence.
Therefore, the self-descriptions are likely to differ significantly between the two. Engai, a Masai, may describe themselves in terms that reflect their identity as part of their community and their link to the land, echoing their communal and environmental ties. In contrast, Joseph, an American college student, may focus on qualities that emphasize personal goals, such as ambition or independence, reflective of a more individualistic society.