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| An example of an optical illusion |
Perception according to Goldstein (2010) is a conscious sensory experience meaning that in order for someone to perceive they must be conscious at the time and must be able to sense the experience from any of the five senses. He also maintained that perception leads to action and therefore, leads to his conclusion that it is continually changing process. This on the other hand points us to the question stated above. Does culture and society affect perception? This will be discussed in the paragraphs below.
In my opinion, I do agree with the question. Since perception is an experience, then it is possible that people in different cultures and societies learn to perceive from different experiences. Milner and Goodale (2006) that proposed perception is a crucial process towards functioning in a society. However, they fail to take into account the numerous societies and culture around the world. With different cultures and societies, a person may have different upbringings. An example of this would be the difference between cultures and societies of the West against the East. In regions near India, there a group of people called the Hijras, which in Indian culture and society are accepted as the norm. They consists of people who are transvestites, hermaphrodites and eunuchs. If these people were to live around westerners, then it is possible for them to become quite uncomfortable (Nanda, 2009). Futhermore, Nanda also states that these people are revered because they are related to Hindu mythology.
In conclusion, culture and society does affect perception. The culture and society can be said to shape our perception about certain topics. For instance, the Hijras of Indias which may seem strange to westerners because it differs from the norms of their society and culture but the Hijras are acceptable in their own culture and society.
References:
In my opinion, I do agree with the question. Since perception is an experience, then it is possible that people in different cultures and societies learn to perceive from different experiences. Milner and Goodale (2006) that proposed perception is a crucial process towards functioning in a society. However, they fail to take into account the numerous societies and culture around the world. With different cultures and societies, a person may have different upbringings. An example of this would be the difference between cultures and societies of the West against the East. In regions near India, there a group of people called the Hijras, which in Indian culture and society are accepted as the norm. They consists of people who are transvestites, hermaphrodites and eunuchs. If these people were to live around westerners, then it is possible for them to become quite uncomfortable (Nanda, 2009). Futhermore, Nanda also states that these people are revered because they are related to Hindu mythology.
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| Photo depicting a group of Hijras |
In conclusion, culture and society does affect perception. The culture and society can be said to shape our perception about certain topics. For instance, the Hijras of Indias which may seem strange to westerners because it differs from the norms of their society and culture but the Hijras are acceptable in their own culture and society.
References:
- Goldstein, E. B. (2010). Introduction to perception. In J. D. Hague and J. A. Perkins (Eds.), Sensation And Perception (pp. 3 -7). USA: Wadsworth.
- Milner, A. D. & Goodale, M. A. (2006). The Visual Brain Inaction. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Nanda, S. (2009). Neither man or woman: The hijras of India. In C. Bertrell & C. Sargent (Eds.), Gender In Cross-Cultural Perspective. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
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