sociometry and cultural norms

[Erica Hollander]

Anne, I am not sure there are any cultures that do not have norms  
affecting face to face behaviors and disclosures.  I think what you  
are getting at is norms that differ from the familiar rules we use  
and expect.  But it is an interesting question.  One approach might  
be to ask members of the multicultural group each to choose a person  
with whom they have no deep relationship and then choose a means of  
getting to know one another better-- how would you go about it if you  
are from a different cultural background?  How would your mother have  
done it?  It might not be a heart to heart talk.  It might be taking  
a walk, caring for children, I don't know what.....What we see as  
revealing character and preserving dignity influences what we would  
choose, I think.  With some sharing of why I make that choice and not  
some other, the group might get some sense of its members'  
preferences for acquaintance and openings.  Erica Hollander