Russian Culture and the Application

¶ … Russian culture and the application of the findings to the school counseling profession

Analysis of the Russian culture

There are many myths and stereotypes about the Russian culture, as there are about every other culture and society. In the counseling profession it is however extremely important to differentiate between truth and fiction and to be aware of and sensitive to misconceptions and false representation about any culture or group.

On the other hand, every culture has certain idiosyncratic values and norms as well as attitudes, predilections and ways of interpreting reality that have to be taken into account by the counselor. Kareem (1978) defines intercultural therapy as: "A form of dynamic psychotherapy that takes into account the whole being of the patient-not only the individual concepts and constructs as presented to the therapist, but also the patient's communal life experience in the world-both past and present" (Dupont-Joshua, 2002, p. 3) This is an important perception in evaluating another culture and particularly in the process of intervention strategizing.

The following discussion and analysis will attempt to find a balance between the various assumptions and representations of Russian culture and society and the reality of this culture which the counselor has to deal with. To this end various aspects will be examined in an attempt to create a coherent and workable understanding of Russian culture and norms, as well as avoiding stereotypical errors. This research will also be discussed in tandem with the ways in which this knowledge can be used to construct effective intervention strategies.

2. Overview of general assumptions

The following table has been drawn up to compare differences between American and Russian values and social perspectives. To a certain extent this listing is generalized and runs the risk of projecting certain cultural stereotypes. This is an aspect that will be referred to again in this discussion and the counselor should not make the error of forgetting that each individual is unique as well as being influenced by his cultural context. However, within these generalizations there are certain aspects that can be expanded on and that indicate cultural differences that the counselor should take account of.

Historical America and Russia Contrasts

America

Russia

Authority

Diffused from people, flows up

Centralized, flows down

Change

From below, individual

Imposed from above, society

Rights

Celebrated, protected

Subordinated for communal good

Diverse Views

Tolerance, pluralism

Consensus, single truth

Economy

Private free market

Government-centered

Cultural roots

Western Europe

Europe, Asia

Warfare

Wars fought mostly abroad, little/no devastation

Constant cruelties, wars, devastation, hardships

(Goehner: Russian / American Culturla Constrasts.)

These lead to central cultural differences that are a result of the different social and political histories of that country. These broader aspects should in the first instance be recognized in terms of the effect that they may have on the individual's response to life and reality. For example, as the above list indicates, the history of Russia is one of involvement in continuous war and this has resulted in an exposure to hardship and suffering within the country on a scale that has not been experienced in a country life America. This fact can have implications in terms of cultural and social traits of the individual that the counsellor may have to deal with.

A second general factor is that until fairly recently the social system in Russia was rigid and authoritarian. Although this has changed and Russia is now ostensibly a free and democratic society, the past can have an affect in terms of socialized attitudes towards change. Whereas individualism and personal freedom is an accepted norm among young and old in American culture, this is a relatively new concept for many Russians. These aspects will be embroidered in the following discussion of cultural aspects.

One has also to take into account that the fact that Russia has in the last few decades undergone radical change in the nature and shape of the society, and that this has obviously had a complex impact of the Russian youth and will to a greater or lesser degree shape the way they react to society and to reality. In this regard we can refer to the view that radial change also can engender as certain "nervousness" about the future. As one pundit states, "Russia has gone through several changes in the last few years. Visitors to Moscow just a couple of years ago would be very surprised at how "Western" downtown has become" ( Goehner). This also means that there have been changes in cultural mores and norms; for example, changes in the characteristic closeness and intimacy of Russian culture. As a critic notes, "Recent observation is that many Russians have less time for walks and talks" ( Goehner). This leads to the question as to whether the "Russian character of closely connected relationships can be compromised in the process of "getting ahead?" ( Goehner).

The above point is mentioned as it is important for the counsellor in developing any intervention strategy to be aware of the complexity the cultural structure. Even weather and geography can play a role in determining cultural aspects. In Russia the harsh cold environment has set cultural limits and potentialities.

Living for centuries in a very harsh climate explains the Russians' strength, their ability to endure extreme hardship, and their bleak outlook on life. It also explains their patience and submission. Climate has also contributed to a cautiousness they exhibit.

( Goehner).

These are all facts that the contemporary counsellor should be cognisant of. Although they can be seen as background they are factors that generate a deeper understanding of the individual and his reactions and response to certain situations. For example, the way that a Russian responds to authority may be less rebellious and more compliant than a student in the United States and this may have social and cultural reasons.

2. Social relationships and the family

A cardinal factor to bear in is the strong sense of community and communalism in Russian culture. This refers to the strong sense of togetherness and interaction that often distinguishes the Russia culture from Western individualism. This can be related to factors such as the previous ideology of the Soviet Union. This is also exhibited in customs such as men kissing men to show affection and to the fact that the family is still such a strong and binding element in the society.

This above is a crucial point for the modern counsellor. Much of contemporary counselling theory and practice assumes the importance and prominence of modern individuality and the desire for personal freedom as a fundamental and basic drive in the individual. Individualism is often seen by theorists as part of the causative structure that may lead to certain problems requiring intervention. However, counselling theory also places stress on taking account the different cultural biases and perceptions that may be encountered by the counselor who deals with an individual from another culture. As James J. Messina states in Individual Counselling Theory and Practices: summary, "Biases are reflected when we Neglect social and community factors to focus unduly on individualism" and when we "Assess clients with instruments that have not been normed on the population they represent" or" Judge as psychopathological behaviours, beliefs, or experiences that are normal for the client's culture" (Messina) and as Wolfe and Vitebsky ( 2002) state, "The notions of separation and individuation which underpin much of the theory and practice of therapy do not necessarily apply in other cultural settings (Wolfe & Vitebsky, 2002, p. 81).

Taking these views into account, the student or individual from a Russian background may have different perception about individualism and the "rights" of the individual, which may contrast with American culture. This aspect can be seen in characteristics of Russian social life, where there is a greater emphasis on sharing and social intimacy.

Pushing and shoving in crowds bring no hard feelings. In restaurants Russians will not hesitate to join a table with strangers rather than dine alone. Men kiss men and show affection, women hold hands while strolling. Recreation is often arranged in groups, often with colleagues they work with. They prefer organized sports with set teams. Russians feel free to tell you if you or your child is not dressed warm enough. In general, in a collective society, everybody's business is also everyone else's

( Goehner).

The above is quoted at length as it is a basic but essential observation that tells us great deal about the individual in Russian culture and also leads to an understanding of many other cultural aspects. Therefore, the counsellor in devising an intervention strategy has to take into account this aspect and possibly make greater use of social and family intervention and support than would normally be the case in dealing with an individual from an American background and culture.

The family authority structure is also related to these cultural perceptions and the "top-down" structure of the traditional society, as well as the distribution of power in the society. Russian culture is dependent on a wide network of family and friends who support one another ( Goehner). Another important factor is that the modern Russian family structure also reflects the stress of the society as a whole. "Family stress is related to the local variant of the widespread crisis in the Russian economy (Wolfe and Vitebsky, 2002, p. 73)

This leads to the question of how social roles are defined. Social roles are linked to the authority structure in the family and are usually hierarchical and patriarchal. However, this situation is open to many variations, especially in the light of the recent changes that the society has undergone. As Schultze ( 2000) states, "Although the man is usually considered the authority in the house, the woman provides most of the discipline and the affection for the children"(Schultze, 2000, p. 45).

3. Attitudes towards activities and problem solving.

It should be borne in mind that there is a greater sense of conservatism among Russians generally than is found in developed Western countries. "Russians are more likely to be cautious and conservative defenders of the status quo. Their cruel climate, harsh history, and skeptical outlook on life has caused Russians to value stability, security, social order, and predictability, avoiding risk" ( Goehner). Coupled with this is a more relaxed sense of time. "To Russians, with their agricultural heritage, time is like the seasons - a time for sowing and a time for reaping, and a time for doing little in between" (Goehner). This attitude was perpetuated by the job protectionism under communism.

These factors tend to suggest that in term of goals setting, activity and problem solving the Russian culture is not as intensely focussed as many Western cultures. In other words there is a more "relaxed" attitude towards life. However, it should also be pointed out that attitudes among younger Russians are changing. In a recent study it was found that conformity and conservatism was not a primary issue among young Russians and that there was a greater emphasis on peer approval and activity; which tends to suggest a shift away for the older conservative attitude in Russian culture (Williams, 1999).