How Does Our Cultural Identity Influence Us? with Dr. Daphna Oyserman

Feb 6, 2025

Dr. Daphna Oyserman, a prominent psychologist from USC, discusses how our cultural identity shapes our perceptions and choices. She explains how small contextual changes can significantly alter mindsets, affecting everything from health to academic performance. The conversation dives into the balance between individualism and collectivism, exploring how these cultural influences drive consumer behavior and personal expression. Dr. Oyserman also highlights the importance of perseverance and how cultural narratives can redefine our approach to challenges.

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INSIGHT

Identity and Constancy

Identities provide a sense of constancy, enabling us to make future plans and choices.
This sense of self must be flexible, allowing us to adapt and grow.

INSIGHT

Culture's Influence

Culture shapes our preferences, values, and desires. It helps define group membership and shared practices.

ANECDOTE

Michigan Time

Daphna Oyserman shares her experience of "Michigan time" vs. "real time".
This highlights how cultural norms can be implicit and unnoticed until challenged.

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Our cultural lenses can expand our Perception Box or contract it, keeping us closed off to new opportunities. So how do we become aware of the personal influences that shape our perceptions? In this episode of Science of Perception Box, cohosts Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christoph Koch discuss the impact of cultural differences on identity and mindsets with guest Dr. Daphna Oyserman. Dr. Oyserman shares her insights on how small changes in context can significantly affect our mindset and choices, impacting our health and academic performance.

Dr. Daphna Oyserman is a Dean’s Professor of Psychology and Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Southern California. Dr. Oyserman received a PhD in psychology and social work from the University of Michigan and served on the faculty of The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, before returning to the University of Michigan where she last held appointments as the Edwin J. Thomas Collegiate Professor of Social Work, Professor of Psychology, and Research Professor in the Institute for Social Research.

Dr. Heather Berlin is a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Dr. Christof Koch is Chief Scientist for the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation and the current Meritorious Investigator and former President of the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:19) - Cultural Identity and Understanding Cultural Differences

(05:26) - The Role of Culture in Society

(07:24) - Cultural Norms and Time Perception

(11:27) - Identity and Self-Perception

(13:54) - Culture and Motivation

(20:10) - Perception of Difficulty and Cultural Narratives

(23:00) - The Dilemma of Difficulty: When to Persevere or Pivot

(24:00) - Cultural Perspectives on Difficulty and Success

(28:14) - The Role of Talent vs. Hard Work in Achievement

(31:37) - Shifting Mindsets: Small Changes, Big Impacts

(34:49) - Procrastination and the Future Self

(38:21) - Teaching the Value of Hard Work to Kids

(42:34) - The Influence of Culture on Persistence

(45:57) - Concluding Thoughts and Reflections