Comparing US and French Cultures :: essays research papers

     Looking back at my experiences in France, I realize just how different our two cultures ar. Further more, I found it actually interesting how, after reading the text, both my parents, one being from France and the former(a) from the joined States, reflect the cultural values of their country to a tee. For example, my return has constantly been the authoritarian parent and my mother the authoritative. French fathers were described in the text as being an "in-control" type parent and using "direct-punishment". He was the strict parent, and my mother, who practiced the typical parenting style used in the United States (authoritative), used a more balanced approach. I would have to speculate that having both styles of parenting during my childhood had positive as well as proscribe aspects to it. As described in the text, I did indeed experience more anxiety and withdrawal perhaps due to my fathers authoritarian parenting. However, the posit ive aspects were that I did well in school and had the utmost view for my father. I was taught to respect and even if it was out of fear, it worked.           As far as socialization agents and their influences are concerned, I have had plenty of experiences in France where the institutions proved to be precise different than those in the United States. The schools were extremely strict. For example, when my sis and I were in the school cafeteria all the students were told to put their hands behind their heads and be silent. When my sister made a noise she was sent outside in the move rain (with a cast on, which could not get wet). They tied her clothe together so she couldnt run away. Because my sister kept crying, they decided that the scarcely way to get her to stop would be to throw ice inhuman water in her face. My parents were less than pleased about the occurrence and at once took us out of the school. Furthermore, when I was in third grade, I regard as the teacher spanked us with a wooden board because we went to the bathroom without asking. These experiences likely influenced my behavior in school for the rest of my life. I have always been extremely obedient in school and respected my authority.           Another deflection I have found between France and the United States is that in France, individual(prenominal) space is much smaller than in the United States.