Cultural Values

Definition

Cultural values are the core principles and ideals that a community or society holds in high regard. These values guide behavior, influence social norms, and shape the identity of individuals within that culture. In the context of Korean American literature from the 1950s and 1960s, cultural values reflect the struggle between maintaining traditional Korean customs and adapting to American societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Korean American literature from the 1950s and 1960s often explores themes of identity conflict, where characters navigate between traditional Korean values and American societal expectations.
2. Cultural values in this context highlight the significance of family loyalty, respect for elders, and community ties, which are central to Korean heritage.
3. Writers during this period often used their work to express the tensions that arise from dual cultural identities, showcasing both pride in their heritage and challenges faced in assimilation.
4. Literature from this era frequently addresses issues like discrimination, generational differences, and the desire for belonging in a new country while upholding cultural traditions.
5. The exploration of cultural values in Korean American literature served as a means of preserving heritage while also critiquing the limitations imposed by both cultures.

Review Questions

• How do cultural values influence character development in Korean American literature during the 1950s and 1960s?
  • Cultural values play a critical role in shaping character development in Korean American literature from this period. Characters often embody the tension between traditional Korean values, such as filial piety and community loyalty, and the individualism encouraged in American society. This internal conflict drives their growth as they navigate identity crises, familial expectations, and their desire for acceptance within a broader American context.
• In what ways does Korean American literature from this era reflect the challenges of maintaining cultural values while assimilating into American society?
  • Korean American literature from the 1950s and 1960s reflects the challenges of maintaining cultural values through narratives that depict struggles with identity and belonging. Characters often experience pressure to assimilate into American culture, which can clash with their deep-rooted Korean traditions. This tension is illustrated through conflicts with family members who hold onto traditional values while younger generations seek acceptance in a rapidly changing society.
• Evaluate how the representation of cultural values in Korean American literature contributes to our understanding of immigrant experiences in America.
  • The representation of cultural values in Korean American literature enhances our understanding of immigrant experiences by providing insight into the complexities of identity formation within multicultural contexts. By illustrating how characters grapple with their dual identities, these works shed light on broader themes such as alienation, resilience, and adaptation. This nuanced portrayal reveals not only personal struggles but also collective experiences that resonate with many immigrant communities navigating similar cultural intersections in America.

Related terms

Hyphenated Identity: The concept of identifying with two cultures simultaneously, often reflecting the experience of immigrant communities balancing their heritage with their new societal context.

Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and attitudes of another culture, often leading to a loss of original cultural identity.

Collectivism: A cultural value emphasizing the importance of group goals over individual ambitions, often seen in many Asian cultures, including Korean traditions.