Culture

Student: Ying Liang

Student No: 822 913 679
Date Submitted: Oct 29th, 2014
SOCI 150: Introduction to Sociology
Professor: Lia Gladstone
Humber College ITAL

Introduction

Being a topical issue among sociologists, culture is contested among different cultures.
In my opinion, it includes our values, beliefs, customs, languages and traditions, through
which we develop a sense of belonging. The way that our cultures are expressed and
interpreted touches on how we experience culture in our lives (Steckley & Letts, 2007).
Having been in Canada for three years, I have come to realize how Chinese culture differs
from Canadian culture. I not only appreciate this brand new culture but also cherish my own
at the same time because I am rooted in Chinese culture and it has a profound influence on
my life. In this essay, I am going to share my life experience to clarify the how Chinese
culture shapes my working experience and family dynamics. Besides that, I will elaborate the
challenges I am confronted with during the three years of living in Canada.
I have been in Chinese society for more than 30 years. The cultures ubiquitous exist
shapes the way of my life, especially my work and family. As we know, the Chinese culture
rooted in Confucianism, the core value of which is humanistic with particular emphasis on
the importance of the family and the value of elder people. Moreover, it holds the belief that
human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through personal and communal
endeavors.
Based on the humanistic culture, noble persons are highly respected in Chinese society.
Humanity can influence our life experience and working attitude as well. Particularly,
professionals are expected to practice in a benevolent manner. This can be evidenced by my
working experience. I used to be a doctor in China. We doctors are expected not only having
solid skill, but also virtuous ethic. I had a tutor who was the head doctor in our hospital. He
has been probably the most influential person in my life. There is a high prize in the field of

health care called Bethune Medal which is named after a Canadian doctors who went to
China to help the sick people. My tutor is one of the winners of this prestigious medal. He
deserves the medal because he is famous for his knowledge and working attitude. I remember
one night, after he finished a cervical operation, he stayed for a while to see whether the postoperative patient was stable or not. Suddenly, he found the patient was choking. When he
realized the suction machine did not work well, he performed sputum suction by his mouth.
The patients family and the staff were deeply moved. His good deeds were spread out by
word of mouth. Even today, I am still very proud to be his students. Thus it can be seen how
Chinese culture affect work ethics. Meanwhile, it is very interesting that even professional
standards vary in different cultures. As a current practical nursing student, I know what is
regarded as good deeds in China may contradict Canadian health practice guideline which
states health care givers are not allowed to contact biohazard excretions (CNO, 2012).
Besides this, there are lots of other differences between china and Canada when we speak of
health care. When I was volunteering in a hospital in Canada, I am aware that I couldnt help
before I ask for the clients permission. I have to remind myself not to violate the rules in
Canada. Furthermore, the nurses should avoid taking care of the clients whom they are
familiar with. I was shocked at these rules. In China, when people confront with health
issues, they would seek help from their familiar heath care professionals. In short, culture
diverse can lead to different ethic standard even within the same field.
Chinese culture differs tremendously from that of Canada. The family concept and its
practice are major distinguishing features. Based on the Chinese cultures interpretation of
family, people like to bound together to share joys and sorrows. There is a close

relationship among family members. Firstly, Chinese parents would continue to support
young people. For example, they provide financial help such as paying college tuition fees. In
contrast, Canadians are expected to make a living by themselves and be independent when
they are 18 years. For instance, Ive found many classmates do certain jobs and pay for their
tuition fees. In this way, they grow up and gain more independence. This Canadian culture
influenced me a lot. As a middle aged Chinese immigrant, I feel it is very hard to make
money. When my mom asked whether I need some money, I refused in a gentle way by
saying I want to be independent. Secondly, the way seniors are treated in China varies from
Canada. In Chinese culture, seniors hold discursive power in the family. It is particularly
noteworthy that the seniors are greatly respected and valued since we believe that the elder
people devote themselves to the family and they deserve highly esteem in return. Moreover,
as time pass by, seniors are so experienced and full of wisdom that we can benefit from them.
This is why an old Chinese proverb says elders are treasures. According to Chinese tradition,
seniors prefer to live with their children and enjoy the happiness of a family union. In
Chinese culture, those who show their love towards parents would be moral samples in the
society. On the contrary, a lot of Canadian elder people choose senior homes instead of living
with their children. The vulnerable elders are not thought to be as valuable as young people.
To be frank, I think they are very prone to feel lonely and their emotional needs could not be
satisfied when they are away from families. In conclusion, culture directs different family
dynamics.
Education is another point of difference that is related to culture. Chinese culture holds
the belief that human beings are teachable, improvable, and perfectible through education.

The teachers and parents are very strict with the kids. In our culture, it is very important for
the kids to study hard and they are expected to gain knowledge as much as they can. Parents
believe this would lead to the brilliant future for the kids. Conversely, in western countries,
children have less homework and have more time to play. The parents respect their choices
and personal interests. In Canada, physical punishment is a kind of abuse which violates
social rules regardless of the initial will. When I first came to Canada, I had to remind myself
not to be too strict with my son. I would rather to have a happy kid than a good student.
When choosing after school programs for my son, I would ask his preference and then
decide. Sometimes I have to control my temper not to beat him since I dont want to
challenge the law. I still remember the case happened not long after I came to Canada. A
Chinese father, also a new immigrant, beat his son who is not willing to study. As a result, the
kid was taken away from the parents and the father was sued. This is an example of how
education is viewed differently according to various culture beliefs.
Conclusion
Although I am rooted in Chinese culture, I always keep in mind when in Rome, do as
the Romans do. On the other hand, no culture is a perfect culture. I would like to take the
essence and discard the dregs, not blindly follow the dominant culture in Canadian society. In
this way, I can benefit from the main culture and contribute my own to this multi-culture
country at the same time.

References

Infection prevention and control (2012). Retrieved from http://www.cno.org/

Steckley, J. & Letts, Q. K. (2007) Elements of Sociology. Don Mills, Ontario:Oxford.