Assignment problem: Neuropsychology Class
The chapter emphasizes the similarity of facial expressions and vocal utterances across cultures. Expressions may be similar across cultures; however, the willingness to express emotions varies as does the way different people detect emotions in others' faces.
At a very general level, and as one commonly researched example, data suggests that East Asian cultures are characterized by more facial control and emotional suppression in contrast to North American cultures. One prominent theory is that these differences reflect collectivist, versus individualistic, societal values.
Another set of studies suggests that people from East Asian cultures pay more attention to emotional content in vocalizations than do people from North American cultures. If facial expressiveness is lessened in these cultures, then the use of auditory information may be a helpful tool to read others' emotions.
Question: Given these findings, it would not be surprising that cultural misunderstandings could result from these differences. What are your thoughts about this and how could this understanding aid in increasing cultural sensitivity?