EPSY142 Assignment
EPSY142 Assignment
EPSY142
Assignment 1
Part 1
Word Count 1706 excluding titles, references and reference list.
1. To understand why our behaviour differs and is not identical to those around us we must look to our own individual identity. Identity and Discourse are reference points for the explanation of why we behave in differing ways. Our identity is sculpted by what we come in to contact with and how things influence us, whether it be another person, a community or an idea. As described by McDonald (2005) an increase in knowledge of the behaviours of the things around us such as the community allows us to better adapt, respond and predict responses to behaviours of others. We also learn to mould our own behaviour to conform, when needed, to what is acceptable in given environments.
A personal example of this was joining the Police. I came from a pretty laid back family and social setting and a fairly casual job. Upon arriving at Police College we were marched in to the gym and lined up in rows, spoken to by superior officers and given orders to follow. Over the course of the next few days my behaviour adapted to include much more discipline as I was immersed in the Police College community. Contact with other constables and personnel moulded, and “calibrated” (Wells, 2007, pg103) my behaviour until it conformed to what was acceptable and expected.
The process in which peoples’ behaviours are formed seems to follow a similar pattern; however, the experiences and communities influencing their behaviours will differ. This is because a practice or activity accepted as the norm in one societal background may not necessarily be acceptable in another. As suggested by Wells (2007) the combination of many individual behaviours joining together will broaden the cultural richness and knowledge of the persons within the community. This allows the individuals to move and adapt to the needs and practices of the community, thereby influencing the behaviours
EPSY142
Assignment 1
Part 1
Word Count 1706 excluding titles, references and reference list.
1. To understand why our behaviour differs and is not identical to those around us we must look to our own individual identity. Identity and Discourse are reference points for the explanation of why we behave in differing ways. Our identity is sculpted by what we come in to contact with and how things influence us, whether it be another person, a community or an idea. As described by McDonald (2005) an increase in knowledge of the behaviours of the things around us such as the community allows us to better adapt, respond and predict responses to behaviours of others. We also learn to mould our own behaviour to conform, when needed, to what is acceptable in given environments.
A personal example of this was joining the Police. I came from a pretty laid back family and social setting and a fairly casual job. Upon arriving at Police College we were marched in to the gym and lined up in rows, spoken to by superior officers and given orders to follow. Over the course of the next few days my behaviour adapted to include much more discipline as I was immersed in the Police College community. Contact with other constables and personnel moulded, and “calibrated” (Wells, 2007, pg103) my behaviour until it conformed to what was acceptable and expected.
The process in which peoples’ behaviours are formed seems to follow a similar pattern; however, the experiences and communities influencing their behaviours will differ. This is because a practice or activity accepted as the norm in one societal background may not necessarily be acceptable in another. As suggested by Wells (2007) the combination of many individual behaviours joining together will broaden the cultural richness and knowledge of the persons within the community. This allows the individuals to move and adapt to the needs and practices of the community, thereby influencing the behaviours