Culture is an integral part of human beings, influencing out thinking, acting and feeling. You cannot live without culture. This implies that you can never talk objectively about culture; you cannot separate you yourself from you yourself! The consequence is that you have to be really careful in your research design, methodology, implementation et cetera.

Culture may be adaptive and maladaptive, helping you or blocking you in reacting and behaving in the proper way. This idea is also depicted by the illustrations below. On the left the idea is that culture is always there, even subconsciously (in your sleep). In the middle culture is like your own home in which you feel comfortable. On the right culture is like a tight barrel, restraining you. This introduction culture should assist you in finding that middle position. Knowing not enough about your own culture is no good because you are then controlled by forces you are not even aware of! The uncomfortable position on the right is no good either, because you are just trying to cope, not even realising your potential.

Barrier 1: You are Part of It!