Culture and participation: a paradigm shift

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Current research often views culture as static traits (e.g., ethnicity).
• Mainstream research and US society commonly adopt an interactional worldview.
• A need exists for a more dynamic and participatory understanding of culture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a paradigm shift in the study of culture, moving from static characteristics to dynamic 'ways of life'.
• To highlight the importance of intergenerational participation within cultural communities.
• To introduce a transactional worldview that contrasts with the prevalent interactional worldview.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis advocating for a shift in the definition of culture.
• Examination of a participatory learning paradigm.
• Contrast between transactional and interactional worldviews.

Main Results:

• Redefining culture as 'ways of life' facilitates understanding of dynamic, intergenerational participation.
• A transactional worldview aligns better with a participatory paradigm.
• Learning by Observing and Pitching In (LOPI) is identified as a key participatory learning method.

Conclusions:

• Shifting the concept of culture to 'ways of life' offers a more accurate framework for research.
• The participatory paradigm, exemplified by LOPI, is crucial for understanding cultural transmission in Indigenous communities.
• This approach provides a valuable lens for studying cultural learning across generations.