Social Customs and Manners[i]
The
second degree of cultural separation (see the illustration in Part Four) includes
social customs and mores. They can also be observed as being part of the first
degree of separation as well. The most
ingrained and non-observable barriers are the stereotypes that reside in
people's minds.
Social
customs, manners, and mores are organized into five major categories. They are
best described in terms of the use and allocation of:
a. Time
b. Space
c. Authority
and Social Control
d. The
Decision-Making Process
e. The
Nature of Property
Time:
The
first category of the second degree of separation is the use and allocation of
time. Time, and its use, means many things to different cultures. The figure below,
depicts two different perceptions of time—Western time and Two-Thirds World
time. As always there are exceptions to both generalizations. The invention of
the clock in Europe helped to organize the Industrial Revolution, making the
concept of time knowable and punctuality enforceable. The Western concept of
time is based on this model. In the Two-Thirds World, being “on time” is
calculated more generally. Time, is not as important in those cultures as are relationships.
Life is lived without the pressures of exact punctuality or time constraints. In
Anglo cultures time is a matter of utmost importance. Pastors who allow the
worship service to go over time will probably hear about it—I know.
For
example, if two congregations coexist in one church building, their differing
concepts of time can create problems. The Anglo church, in our example, will
probably feel the most pressure. What happens when a church’s service is
scheduled for one hour and it goes for two? Or joint meetings are scheduled,
and the “other” congregation arrives in dribbles. It is pointless to allow hard
feelings to arise. Trying to change the other group is more than pointless, it could
be characterized as paternalism.
Space:
The
use and allocation of space is an additional separation factor that cultures
often see differently. For example, most cultures use space to communicate
social distance. Social space for American males is about a 12ft. diameter.
People outside that radius are often treated as scenery—possibly ignored.
People inside that circle know to stand at a respectful distance. If they do
stand closer, they lower their voices.
On
the other hand, most Latino Americans or Koreans, for example, often have a
much smaller social radius. They are more comfortable standing or sitting
closer together. The diagram, for example, shows what might happen were an
Anglo and a Latino to enter into a conversation without understanding each
other's concept of social space.
Other
cultures are prone to speak in a relatively loud voice. In a typical
conversation, some Italians might sound to Northern Europeans as if they were
angry with each other. Sensitivity to these differences will serve to help a
person to be observant. In most cases, you can ask if your conversation partner
is comfortable.
In
a multi-congregational church, space can also be a source of conflict. A church
that assigns space and time on a rigid schedule will have a problem if a
“renter” diverges from that schedule. The size of Cambridge First’s building
was only about 12,000 square feet. Every weekend, as many as 700 people would be
in attendance. There were four churches and a Chinese Bible Study Group, of
80-100. It was absolutely essential to assign space and time for worship
services and regular meetings. However, if a space in the rest of the building
was not being used, it was available to any church that needed it.
Does
your church house more than one congregation?
How
are you doing with the allocation of space and time?
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