Soldiers need to learn about different cultures when they are deployed in foreign countries for various reasons such as military operations.
When American soldiers are deployed in Iraq, they may meet people from the Middle East who have different values regarding marriage, family, and religion. This can cause challenges in their relationships since soldiers may feel uncomfortable with these cultural differences. Some soldiers might also be tempted to ignore cultural norms because of pressure from their partners or fear of losing them if they don't conform.
Soldiers must respect cultural norms while still maintaining healthy personal and intimate relationships. In this essay, I will discuss how soldiers integrate cross-cultural relational norms into personal and intimate partnerships during multinational deployments using specific examples from research studies.
Cross-cultural relational norms affect soldiers' personal and intimate relationships in many ways.
Some cultures do not allow men and women to touch each other in public places. Therefore, soldiers might find it difficult to hold hands with their partners or even hug them in public. In addition, some cultures do not approve of premarital sex. So, soldiers who engage in such activities may face rejection by their partner's families and communities. These cultural norms can create conflicts between soldiers and their partners, which could lead to breakups or divorces.
Some soldiers have learned how to balance their culture and that of their partners. They understand that they cannot change their partners but can adjust their behavior to suit their needs.
One study found that soldiers who had been deployed in Afghanistan had a better understanding of the local culture, including sexual practices, gender roles, and religious beliefs. They were able to adapt to these norms without compromising their values. This helped them build strong relationships with their partners, which lasted after they returned home.
Another study showed that soldiers needed to be open-minded about different cultures to develop meaningful relationships. The study involved American soldiers stationed in Iraq who developed friendships with Iraqi locals. The soldiers realized that they had similar interests and values despite their differences in religion, politics, and social customs. They also appreciated each other's uniqueness, leading to stronger bonds between them.
These relationships required time and effort from both parties since they had to learn each other's languages and customs.
Cultural misunderstandings can cause tension between soldiers and their partners. Soldiers need to recognize when their partners feel uncomfortable with certain behaviors and act accordingly. They must also respect their partner's boundaries regarding physical intimacy. A study involving British soldiers in Afghanistan showed that some soldiers felt frustrated because their partners did not understand why they wanted to hold hands or hug in public. These soldiers explained to their partners why they should not touch each other in public places due to cultural reasons.
Soldiers need to integrate cross-cultural relational norms into personal and intimate partnerships during multinational deployments. While this may seem challenging at first, it is possible by learning about different cultures and being open-minded. By doing so, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships while serving their countries abroad.
How do soldiers integrate cross-cultural relational norms into personal and intimate partnerships during multinational deployments?
The integration of cross-cultural relational norms can have varying effects on personal and intimate partnerships. Soldiers may struggle with differences in communication styles, values, and expectations between their partner and family members from different cultures. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and conflict. It is important for soldiers to be aware of these differences and communicate openly about them with their partners and families to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.