International Military Service Influences Cross-Cultural Relational Norms and Expectations
In today's globalized world, there are many countries that send their armed forces to participate in international peacekeeping operations. These missions involve people from different nations working together in unfamiliar environments, often leading to cultural clashes and misunderstandings. As a result, soldiers who serve abroad may develop new perspectives on cross-cultural relational norms and expectations. This essay will explore how military service impacts soldiers' understanding of these concepts.
Military service is an immersive experience for soldiers. They spend months or even years living and working in foreign countries, often away from family and friends. During this time, they encounter different cultures and learn about other ways of life.
Some cultures prioritize personal space, while others value closeness and physical contact. Soldiers who come from more physically expressive cultures may find it difficult to adapt to less touchy-feely societies, while those from reserved cultures may feel overwhelmed by high levels of intimacy.
Soldiers may experience differences in sexuality and gender roles. Some cultures have stricter taboos around sex than others, with different attitudes toward premarital relationships, homosexuality, and promiscuity. A soldier from a conservative culture may be surprised at the openness of other troops, while someone from a permissive society may struggle to adjust to restrictions. Sexual violence is also a problem in many militaries, creating tensions between men and women.
Soldiers must also navigate power dynamics within their unit. Rank has great importance in most armies, with senior officers exercising significant authority over junior personnel. This hierarchy can lead to challenges when interacting with locals, who may not understand why orders are given or follow them. In addition, soldiers may face difficulties integrating into civilian communities due to cultural norms regarding age, race, or social class.
International military service can help soldiers appreciate diversity and acceptance.
It can also create conflicts and misunderstandings that require active communication and negotiation. By developing awareness and empathy for different perspectives, soldiers can improve their ability to work across cultures. They learn how to recognize and respect cultural boundaries, build trust through shared experiences, and maintain relationships despite differences.
How does international military service influence soldiers' understanding of cross-cultural relational norms and expectations?
International military service has been proven to change an individual's outlook on life by broadening their knowledge base and providing them with a fresh perspective on different cultures. One significant impact is how it influences soldiers' understanding of cross-cultural relational norms and expectations. By interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and experiencing new cultural practices, soldiers gain insights into the various ways that people communicate and relate to each other.