7.8 Synopsis: three meta-perspectives

Overview: three concepts for cultural reflexivity

The following table gives an overview of the differences we have seen in the meta-perspectives. There is not always a sharp distinction between the columns and aspects of one perspective can mingle with another. We can use the metaphor of a kaleidoscope: Once we turn it, the picture is a different one, and we discover different patterns.

Three meta-perspectives, an overview

Source: Nazarkiewicz (2020)

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Transfer

If we approach situations and critical incidents with cultural reflexivity, we always keep in mind the three questions:

1. Which cultural factors in terms of different perspectives and meanings could be at play?
2. Which other collectives and systems, especially the situative organisation, could be influential? What do we not know and what do we even require a solution for?
3. Which privileges and collective experiences are predistributed in the given interaction and need to be considered?

Source: Inspired by Hiller, G. (2016). Eine Frage der Perspektive. Critical Incidents aus Studentenwerken und Hochschulverwaltung. Berlin: Deutsches Studentenwerk, p. 29. URL: https://www.studentenwerke.de/de/content/eine-frage-der-perspektive-critical, accessed on 22.9.2024)

In a culture-reflexive approach we do not primarily look for personality traits, e.g. that Hassan or his cohabitants might be ignorant or lazy. We scan the possible collective factors.

1. Quasi-natural worldview: In those families in Bangladesh that have the privilege to study it is not unusual that a housekeeper takes care of the cleaning. Maybe Hassan is used to having help at home and has never done it on his own? Sometimes, international students don't even know how to handle cleaning equipment. It would be interesting to find out (if not known) how the inhabitants from different countries see the situation.
2. Systemic-constructivist perspective: So many people use the kitchen, it is unclear who is 'guilty'. Maybe the responsibilities regarding the kitchen cleaning or the house rules are not sufficiently defined. Are there any? How many persons use the kitchen, what is the objective, and could there be a commitment for the future? Other cohabitants need to be involved.
3. Power reflexive practice: Why was Hassan addressed? Is a cultural image, i.e. prejudice regarding foreigners, especially when they are Muslims with a dark skin, being used? Hassan is in a difficult situation, and it is very difficult for persons with "foreign" names who might not speak the local language fluently to find a flat or room with limited financial resources. The landlord and the housing office could take this into consideration as well.

All three meta-perspectives have their strengths and limitations. The search for cultural explanations in the natural worldview looks for different reasoning, however it might overestimate cultural factors linked to habits, etiquette or expectations. The power-reflexive practice is fundamentally oriented towards equality and reflects premises and presuppositions, focussing intensely on the prerequisites of the situation. However, the individual's influence on an interaction scenario is limited. Finally, the systemic-constructivist approach lacks cultural expertise and has no lens for power differences, solutions resulting from nescience in negotiations are rather uncommon and unexperienced in everyday practice.