personal cultural values essay

Cultural Identity Essay

27 August, 2020

12 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

No matter where you study, composing essays of any type and complexity is a critical component in any studying program. Most likely, you have already been assigned the task to write a cultural identity essay, which is an essay that has to do a lot with your personality and cultural background. In essence, writing a cultural identity essay is fundamental for providing the reader with an understanding of who you are and which outlook you have. This may include the topics of religion, traditions, ethnicity, race, and so on. So, what shall you do to compose a winning cultural identity essay?

Cultural Identity Paper: Definitions, Goals & Topics 

Before starting off with a cultural identity essay, it is fundamental to uncover what is particular about this type of paper. First and foremost, it will be rather logical to begin with giving a general and straightforward definition of a cultural identity essay. In essence, cultural identity essay implies outlining the role of the culture in defining your outlook, shaping your personality, points of view regarding a multitude of matters, and forming your qualities and beliefs. Given a simpler definition, a cultural identity essay requires you to write about how culture has influenced your personality and yourself in general. So in this kind of essay you as a narrator need to give an understanding of who you are, which strengths you have, and what your solid life position is.

Yet, the goal of a cultural identity essay is not strictly limited to describing who you are and merely outlining your biography. Instead, this type of essay pursues specific objectives, achieving which is a perfect indicator of how high-quality your essay is. Initially, the primary goal implies outlining your cultural focus and why it makes you peculiar. For instance, if you are a french adolescent living in Canada, you may describe what is so special about it: traditions of the community, beliefs, opinions, approaches. Basically, you may talk about the principles of the society as well as its beliefs that made you become the person you are today.

So far, cultural identity is a rather broad topic, so you will likely have a multitude of fascinating ideas for your paper. For instance, some of the most attention-grabbing topics for a personal cultural identity essay are:

• Memorable traditions of your community
• A cultural event that has influenced your personality 
• Influential people in your community
• Locations and places that tell a lot about your culture and identity

Cultural Identity Essay Structure

As you might have already guessed, composing an essay on cultural identity might turn out to be fascinating but somewhat challenging. Even though the spectrum of topics is rather broad, the question of how to create the most appropriate and appealing structure remains open.

Like any other kind of an academic essay, a cultural identity essay must compose of three parts: introduction, body, and concluding remarks. Let’s take a more detailed look at each of the components:

Introduction 

Starting to write an essay is most likely one of the most time-consuming and mind-challenging procedures. Therefore, you can postpone writing your introduction and approach it right after you finish body paragraphs. Nevertheless, you should think of a suitable topic as well as come up with an explicit thesis. At the beginning of the introduction section, give some hints regarding the matter you are going to discuss. You have to mention your thesis statement after you have briefly guided the reader through the topic. You can also think of indicating some vital information about yourself, which is, of course, relevant to the topic you selected.

Your main body should reveal your ideas and arguments. Most likely, it will consist of 3-5 paragraphs that are more or less equal in size. What you have to keep in mind to compose a sound ‘my cultural identity essay’ is the argumentation. In particular, always remember to reveal an argument and back it up with evidence in each body paragraph. And, of course, try to stick to the topic and make sure that you answer the overall question that you stated in your topic. Besides, always keep your thesis statement in mind: make sure that none of its components is left without your attention and argumentation.

Conclusion 

Finally, after you are all finished with body paragraphs and introduction, briefly summarize all the points in your final remarks section. Paraphrase what you have already revealed in the main body, and make sure you logically lead the reader to the overall argument. Indicate your cultural identity once again and draw a bottom line regarding how your culture has influenced your personality.

Best Tips For Writing Cultural Identity Essay

Writing a ‘cultural identity essay about myself’ might be somewhat challenging at first. However, you will no longer struggle if you take a couple of plain tips into consideration. Following the tips below will give you some sound and reasonable cultural identity essay ideas as well as make the writing process much more pleasant:

• Start off by creating an outline. The reason why most students struggle with creating a cultural identity essay lies behind a weak structure. The best way to organize your ideas and let them flow logically is to come up with a helpful outline. Having a reference to build on is incredibly useful, and it allows your essay to look polished.
• Remember to write about yourself. The task of a cultural identity essay implies not focusing on your culture per se, but to talk about how it shaped your personality. So, switch your focus to describing who you are and what your attitudes and positions are. 
• Think of the most fundamental cultural aspects. Needless to say, you first need to come up with a couple of ideas to be based upon in your paper. So, brainstorm all the possible ideas and try to decide which of them deserve the most attention. In essence, try to determine which of the aspects affected your personality the most.
• Edit and proofread before submitting your paper. Of course, the content and the coherence of your essay’s structure play a crucial role. But the grammatical correctness matters a lot too. Even if you are a native speaker, you may still make accidental errors in the text. To avoid the situation when unintentional mistakes spoil the impression from your essay, always double check your cultural identity essay. 

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What are Cultural Values? A Comprehensive Guide for All

 Cultural values are the shared beliefs, norms, and practices that guide the behavior and attitudes of a group of people. They influence how people communicate, interact, and cooperate. They also shape how people view themselves, their identity, and their place in the world. Cultural values are not fixed or static; they can change over time and vary across different contexts and situations. 

Sanju Pradeepa

You know cultural values shape so much of how we see the world, yet we rarely stop to ponder their meaning and influence. Cultural values are the beliefs and ideals that bind groups together and guide behavior. They influence everything from etiquette to ethics, holidays to habits. Understanding cultural values—both your own and those of others—is key to navigating our increasingly global society.

In this article, we’ll unpack the meaning of cultural values, explore how they form and spread, see how they differ around the world, and discuss why they matter in today’s world. By the end, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the cultural values that make us who we are. So find a comfy seat, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

What are cultural values.

Cultural values are the principles and standards of a society that guide the way people think, feel, and behave. They shape our beliefs, attitudes, and actions.

Some key cultural values include:

• Individualism vs. collectivism: Individualist cultures value independence and personal achievement, while collectivist cultures emphasize group harmony and loyalty.
• Power Distance: This refers to how much inequality people accept in a culture. High power distance means hierarchy and unequal power distribution are accepted, while low power distance means people value equality and decentralization of power.
• Uncertainty Avoidance: Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance prefer rules, structure, and predictability. Those with low uncertainty avoidance are more tolerant of ambiguity and chaos.
• Masculinity vs. Femininity: Masculine cultures value competitiveness, ambition, and achievement, while feminine cultures emphasize quality of life, relationships, and work-life balance.
• Long-term vs. short-term Orientation: Long-term-oriented cultures value thrift, perseverance , and adaptation to changing circumstances. Short-term-oriented cultures emphasize tradition, personal stability, and fulfilling social obligations.
• Indulgence vs. Restraint: Indulgent cultures allow relatively free gratification of natural human drives related to enjoying life, while restrained cultures suppress gratification of needs and regulate it by means of strict social norms.

Cultural values shape how we see the world, interact with each other, and go about our daily lives. Understanding them leads to more effective cross-cultural communication and cooperation. What values does your culture hold dear?

The Origins and Evolution of Cultural Values

Cultural values shape societies in profound ways. They originate from a mix of influences: religion, language, ethnicity, history, and environment. As cultures evolve, values adapt to changing circumstances.

The role of religion

Many cultural values stem from religious beliefs. For example, Christian societies often emphasize kindness, forgiveness, and charity. Buddhist cultures promote harmony, patience, and humility and also value concepts like dharma (duty), karma (cause and effect), and ahimsa (non-violence).

Language and ethnicity

Shared language and ethnicity strengthen cultural connections and shape values within groups. Concepts like hospitality, family loyalty, or honor are commonly emphasized. Minority ethnic groups may highlight values that strengthen their identity.

Historical experiences

A culture’s history significantly impacts its values. Societies that have endured hardships like famine, war, or oppression frequently value qualities like perseverance , courage , or independence. Values can also be influenced by interactions with other groups as cultures blend together over time through trade, migration, or colonization.

Environmental factors

Geography and climate shape cultural values by necessitating certain qualities for survival. For example, cultures in harsh, resource-scarce environments often emphasize self-reliance , hard work, and thriftiness. Coastal societies frequently value concepts related to fishing, sailing, and trade. Agricultural communities tend to value harmony with the land and seasons.

Cultural values provide a shared sense of meaning , purpose, and identity within societies. While values originate from a culture’s unique circumstances, there are also universal values common to humanity—things like love, compassion, justice, and wisdom—that transcend cultural differences and unite us all.

Why Cultural Values Matter

Cultural values are the beliefs and ideals that shape how a group views themselves and the world around them. They govern behavior, shape attitudes, and influence important life decisions. Understanding cultural values—both your own and those of others—is key to effective communication and building meaningful relationships.

Shared Identity

Cultural values connect us to others in our group, creating a sense of shared identity. When we uphold the same values as our peers, it strengthens our bonds and reinforces our place within the community. However, this can also lead to an “us vs. them” mentality towards those with differing values. It’s important to balance cultural pride with openness to other perspectives.

Influence Outlook

The cultural values we absorb from an early age shape how we interpret the world around us . They act as a lens, filtering our perceptions and judgments. We tend to see those who share our values as “right” or “normal,” while perceiving those with opposing values as “strange” or even “wrong.” Recognizing this tendency in ourselves and others can help promote understanding.

Guide Behavior

Cultural values are not just abstract ideals. They directly impact how we live our lives and interact with others. The values we hold dear shape the choices we make, the way we communicate, and our unquestioned habits and routines. When values come into conflict, it can lead to misunderstandings and tensions. Navigating these differences with empathy, respect , and an open mind is key to overcoming cultural barriers.

In an increasingly connected world, understanding cultural values—both shared and diverse—is crucial. Appreciating both the uniting and distinguishing power of values allows us to build common ground while also honoring what makes each culture unique. By understanding why cultural values matter, we can work to promote inclusion, foster meaningful connections across perceived divides, and make progress together.

Examples of Common Cultural Values

Cultural values refer to the ideals and beliefs that shape how people in a society live and interact. They influence attitudes, priorities, and behaviors within a culture. Here are some of the most common cultural values found around the world:

Individualism vs. collectivism

Some cultures emphasize individualism, prioritizing individual goals and achievements. Others focus on collectivism, valuing group cohesion and harmony. Individualistic cultures like those in the US and Western Europe encourage uniqueness , while collectivist cultures in Asia, Africa, and Latin America stress community and social bonds.

Power Distance

This refers to how much inequality people accept in a culture. High-power distance cultures like China and India accept an unequal distribution of power, while low-power distance cultures such as Australia aim for equality and less hierarchy.

Uncertainty Avoidance

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance, like Japan and Germany, value rules, order, and clear expectations. They prefer to avoid ambiguity and minimize risk. Cultures low in uncertainty avoidance, such as the US and UK, are more tolerant of uncertainty and open to unstructured ideas or situations.

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Masculine cultures value competitiveness , achievement, and material success. Feminine cultures emphasize quality of life, caring for others, and social relationships. Japan and Austria rank high in masculinity, while Scandinavian countries like Sweden are more feminine.

Long-term vs. short-term orientation

Long-term-oriented cultures such as China and Japan focus on perseverance, thrift, and future rewards. Short-term-oriented cultures like the US and France value immediate gratification, consumption, and quick results.

Cultural values shape how we interpret the world around us and interact with each other. Recognizing these values in yourself and others can help promote cross-cultural understanding and bring greater harmony between people from diverse backgrounds.

How Cultural Values Shape Society

Cultural values are the ideals and beliefs within a society that shape behaviors and social norms. They influence how people think, communicate, and interact with one another in their daily lives. Cultural values also help determine what is considered right or wrong, good or bad, and important or unimportant in a society.

Tradition and Change

Cultural values often represent a balance between tradition and change. Societies value tradition by passing down beliefs and practices between generations. However, as societies evolve, cultural values also adapt to fit the times. Older generations may cling to more traditional values, while younger generations push for progressive changes. Finding the right balance between honoring tradition and embracing change is key to the growth and prosperity of any culture.

Morality and ethics

Cultural values shape a society’s morality and sense of ethics. They determine views on fundamental issues like life and death, family and relationships, and justice and human rights. Societies grapple with moral questions of what constitutes virtuous behavior and how to achieve “the good life.” Cultural values provide a moral compass for navigating these complex questions.

Cooperation and conflict

Cultural values influence how people in a society interact and relate to one another. Values like individualism versus communalism, competition versus cooperation, and harmony versus confrontation shape the nature of social relationships. Societies that emphasize cooperation and communalism tend to have more collectivist cultures , while those that emphasize individualism and competition tend to have more individualistic cultures. A society’s orientation towards cooperation or conflict impacts social cohesion and quality of life.

In summary, cultural values are the DNA of society. They shape how people think and act, determine morality and ethics, influence tradition and change, and affect cooperation and conflict. Cultural values reflect what really matters in a society, so understanding them is key to understanding the society itself.

Cultural Values Across Different Cultures

Cultural values represent the collective beliefs and ideals that shape a society. They are passed down through generations and influence how people think and behave. Cultural values can vary widely between different groups of people.

Individualism versus collectivism

Some cultures promote individualism, emphasizing personal achievement and independence. Others are more collectivist, focusing on group harmony and loyalty.

• Individualist cultures like those in the U.S. and Western Europe value personal freedom and achievement. People see themselves as autonomous individuals.
• Collective cultures in Asia, Africa, and South America value community over the individual. People see themselves as interdependent and define themselves by group membership. Loyalty to family and community is key.

This refers to how cultures view power hierarchies and inequality. High power distance means people accept an unequal distribution of power as normal. Low power distance means people value equality and challenges to authority.

• High power distance: Cultures in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America accept hierarchy and authority. People respect age, status, and titles.
• Low power distance: Western cultures question authority and value egalitarianism. People see themselves as equals, regardless of age, status, or gender.

This refers to how cultures view uncertainty and ambiguity . High uncertainty avoidance means people prefer order, rules, and security. Low uncertainty avoidance means greater tolerance for ambiguity and risk.

• High uncertainty avoidance: Cultures in East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America prefer structure, rules, and traditions. People seek security and conformity.
• Low uncertainty avoidance: U.S. and Western European cultures are comfortable with ambiguity and risk. People value independence, creativity, and openness to change.

In summary, cultural values shape how people think, communicate, and behave in profound ways. Recognizing these differences can help promote cross-cultural understanding and bring people together, despite their diverse beliefs and worldviews.

The Impact of Cultural Values on Business

Cultural values shape how businesses operate and interact with customers in society. Understanding the cultural values of your target market is key to success.

Communication

How people communicate varies across cultures. Some prefer direct, blunt communication, while others rely more on context and reading between the lines. When marketing or providing customer service, adapt your communication style to match your audience. For indirect cultures, focus on building relationships and trust. For direct cultures, get straight to the point.

Time Orientation

Cultures also differ in their view of time. Some see time as rigid and unchanging, while others see it as fluid. In monochronic cultures like Germany or the US, people value punctuality and efficiency . In polychronic cultures like Brazil or Egypt, flexibility and relationships are more important. Accommodate these differences when scheduling meetings or deadlines.

Some cultures emphasize individual goals and achievements (individualism), while others focus on group harmony and loyalty (collectivism). In individualist cultures, highlight personal benefits and freedom of choice in your messaging. In collectivist cultures, the focus is on the benefits to families, communities, and society.

Risk Tolerance

The level of uncertainty and risk deemed acceptable varies across cultures. Some cultures, like the US, tend to be more risk-tolerant, while others, like Japan, are more risk-averse. When introducing new products or services, determine the risk profile of your target market and adjust accordingly. In risk-averse cultures, the focus is on stability, security, and risk mitigation. In risk-tolerant cultures, highlight opportunities for reward and status.

Understanding cultural values provides insight into your target customers and how to best serve them. Adapt your business practices, marketing, and customer service to align with the values of your audience. Respecting cultural differences will lead to greater success in today’s global marketplace.

Promoting cross-cultural understanding

To truly understand different cultures, you need to recognize and respect their values. Cultural values are the ideals and beliefs that shape how a group thinks and acts. Promoting cross-cultural understanding means appreciating how values differ between societies.

Openness and Curiosity

The first step is developing an open and curious mindset . Try to understand cultural values from an insider’s perspective, not an outsider looking in. Ask questions, do research, and seek to learn why certain values are meaningful to that group. For example, many Western cultures value independence, while other societies put more emphasis on interdependence and community. Neither is right nor wrong; they are just different.

Recognize Differences

Don’t assume all cultures share your values. What you consider normal or ethical may be viewed very differently elsewhere. For instance:

• Views on family and gender roles can vary widely between cultures.
• Concepts of personal space and privacy are culturally dependent.
• The importance placed on traits like assertiveness , competitiveness, and ambition differs across societies.

Appreciating these differences will help you avoid insensitive or disrespectful behavior. Make an effort to understand values in the proper cultural context.

Find common ground.

While values may differ between groups, all cultures share some universal values like compassion, kindness , and fairness. Focus on the values you have in common rather than those that divide you. Look for opportunities to build connections and foster mutual understanding. Engage in open and honest dialog to promote cooperation and trust between cultures.

Promoting cross-cultural understanding is a lifelong process that requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone . But by making the effort to learn about different cultural values, you can help create a more inclusive society where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. Understanding each other’s differences is the first step to overcoming them.

How to Uphold and Strengthen Cultural Values

To uphold and strengthen cultural values within a society, community, or organization, there are several effective strategies you can implement:

Promote understanding

Educate others about the origins and meaning behind your cultural values. Explain how they shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Increase insight into why certain traditions, rituals, or practices are important. The more people comprehend the significance, the more they will appreciate and support the values.

Honor traditions

Continue established customs, ceremonies, and celebrations that highlight meaningful cultural values. Participate in cultural events and invite others to join in. Make cultural values visible through symbolic representations like flags, statues, paintings, or clothing.

Share stories

Pass down cultural values through narratives, folklore, music, or art. Stories are a powerful way to convey morals, lessons, and wisdom to future generations. Share stories of role models or key historical figures who embodied important cultural values.

Set an example.

Model the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in others. Practice the cultural values in your own words, actions, and decisions. Be a mentor for those who want to strengthen their connection to the culture. Your passion and commitment will inspire others.

Reward and recognize

Provide positive reinforcement by acknowledging those who demonstrate cultural values. Thank them for their efforts and contributions. Highlight their achievements within the community. Recognition motivates people to continue promoting cultural values.

Strengthening cultural values requires ongoing dedication and teamwork. But by making the values a central part of individual and community identity, you ensure they endure and remain a source of meaning for generations to come. Focus on understanding, tradition, storytelling, leading by example, and positive reinforcement. Together, these strategies will keep cultural values alive and thriving.

Attitude and Mindset: Intersection, Importance & Difference

Threats to cultural values in today’s world.

Globalization and access to technology have exposed most of the world’s cultures to outside influences, which can threaten traditional cultural values. Some of the biggest threats to cultural values today include:

Cultural appropriation

When aspects of a minority culture are adopted by members of the dominant culture, it can feel disrespectful or like the meaning and importance are lost. Cultural appropriation of clothing, hairstyles, music, or religious practices can damage or dilute cultural values when done without proper understanding, respect, or permission.

Spread of misinformation

The internet and social media have enabled the rapid spread of both information and misinformation. False or misleading information about cultural beliefs , practices, or histories can undermine and distort cultural values. It’s important we educate ourselves about cultures different from our own to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or spreading misinformation, even unintentionally.

Globalization of media.

Access to media from around the world through streaming services and the internet exposes us to cultures different from our own. While cultural exchange can be positive, the globalization of media does threaten local cultural values by promoting more western or American ideologies. Local media, arts, music, and entertainment industries struggle to compete, and traditions can be lost.

While tourism promotes cultural appreciation and economic benefits, uncontrolled tourism can be damaging. Disrespectful tourists who treat cultural sites and practices as spectacles rather than with reverence can degrade sacred values. Overtourism leads to overcrowding, environmental damage, and a loss of authenticity. Regulations and sustainable tourism practices are needed to protect cultural values from the threats of tourism.

Overall, protecting cultural values in today’s connected world requires education, open-mindedness, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to listen and understand each other, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Promoting inclusiveness, fighting misinformation, and encouraging cultural diversity will help ensure traditional values survive and thrive. But change is inevitable, and cultural values will continue to evolve and adapt to the modern world, as they always have.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cultural Values in a Globalized World

Cultural values shape societies and bring people together, but in today’s globalized world, cultural identities are evolving. As cultures blend and ideas spread, cultural values are adapting to reflect more inclusive and progressive ways of thinking.

Looking ahead, cultural values will likely drift in a more humanitarian direction. There will be a greater emphasis on human rights, empathy, and mutual understanding between groups. Discrimination based on attributes like ethnicity, gender, sensual orientation, and religion will continue to decline. People will value diversity and push for equal treatment of all individuals.

Interconnectedness will be highly prized. Things that divide us, like nationalism and tribalism, will be discouraged in favor of a shared human identity. There will be more appreciation for how our fates are bound together in an increasingly global community. Cooperation and collaboration across borders will be seen as vital to solving problems that affect us all.

Environmentalism will likely feature more prominently in cultural values. As the impacts of climate change intensify, cultures will promote more sustainable ways of living that reduce humanity’s ecological footprint. Protecting biodiversity and natural habitats will be seen as keys to ensuring a livable planet for future generations. An ethic of environmental stewardship will spread.

Even as cultures blend, cultural traditions will still be honored. While globalization exposes us to outside influences, people will continue to value the histories, languages, arts, and other hallmarks that make their cultural identities unique. The trick will be balancing cultural preservation with a spirit of openness, inclusion, and shared progress.

The future of cultural values looks bright if we make the well-being of all people and our planet central to how cultures evolve in the decades ahead. By embracing diversity, championing human rights, and protecting our environment, cultural values can help create a more just, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.

You now have a sense of what cultural values are and how deeply they shape society. But cultural values are complex; they evolve over time and differ across groups. The values you hold dear say a lot about your identity and experiences. At their best, cultural values bind communities together and give life deeper meaning. At their worst, they can promote close-mindedness and conflict with others.

Understanding cultural values—both your own and those of others—is so important in today’s global world. So keep exploring, questioning assumptions, and seeking to understand people who are different. That’s the only way we’ll build a future filled with more connection and less division. Cultural values matter, so make the effort to understand them.

• Cultural exchange: Embracing Cultural Exchange in a Globalized World by FasterCapital 
• 38 Cultural Values Examples By  Pernilla Stammler Jaliff (MSSc)
• Understanding How Culture Impacts Local Business Practices
• Behav Sci (Basel) , Individualism, Collectivism, and Allocation Behavior: Evidence from the Ultimatum Game and Dictator Game Jingjing Jiao , –  doi:  10.3390/bs13020169 from An official website of the United States government.
• Cross-Cultural Communication and Cultural Understanding Written by MasterClass
• PhD Assoc. Prof. Natalia Bogoliubova, PhD Assoc. Prof. Julia Nikolaev, – Cultural Ties in a Globalization World: The Threats and Challenge (PDF)

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My Cultural Identity Essay: A Guide to Writing about Who You are

October 12, 2015

A cultural identity essay is a paper that you write exploring and explaining how your place of upbringing, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, and family dynamics among other factors created your identity as a person. Even facts such as what activities you took part in as a child can be part of your cultural identity. Your culture identity is ultimately the group of people that you feel that you identify with. The thought process behind this is known as cultural identity theory. To get a better idea of this, take a look at this single paragraph blurb of information that you might see in a culture identity essay. After reading, you can easily  write my paper  and feel comfortable getting grades as high as you can imagine.

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I was born in rural Missouri, but my family moved to St. Louis before I was a year old. My mother is 100 percent Irish and comes from a family that identifies very strongly with Irish culture. My father is Middle Eastern, but was adopted by an English family who moved to the United States when he was 5. We lived in a pretty big house in a subdivision. My parents had two more kids after me, they were both boys as well. My father wasn't religious, but my mom was a practicing Catholic. She went to mass every week. My brothers and I both had first communion and were confirmed, but stopped going to church as teenagers. We weren't really encouraged to play sports because our parents thought we should focus on our studies. They really emphasized math and science. I did well in these classes, but I didn't enjoy them. In high school, I became active in music and theater. Most of my friends were also into that as well. I earned a scholarship to study engineering on the East Coast, but I dropped out as a sophomore. I returned home to study music, needless to say my parents were disappointed. My brothers both pursued careers in technical fields. One is a mechanical engineer and the other is a software engineer. I am close with my family, but we do not have much in common. My circle of friends is fairly varied when it comes to race, ethnicity, religion, and economic background, but it consists almost entirely of people who are artists, musicians, writers, or people involved in those industries.

Keep in mind that your essay samples may look nothing like this. In our example, the writers choice of career, talents, and interests influenced his cultural identity more than his religious, ethnic background, or family values did. This may not be the case for you. Remember that when you are writing your paper there are no wrong answers. You just have to ask yourself insightful questions and keep the theory of cultural identity in mind as you write. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How did the foods I ate as a child influence my identity
• Did I look different from the kids I went to school with? How did that impact me?
• Did birth order influence who I am as an adult?
• Does my life today match the life I was raised in?

While being committed to a number of charitable causes, like volunteering at special events or giving free art lessons to children, Marie doesn’t forget her vocation – writing. She can write about almost anything but has focused on time management, motivation, academic and business writing.

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106 Cultural Identity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Cultural identity is a concept that refers to the sense of belonging and identification individuals have with a particular culture or ethnic group. It plays a significant role in shaping one's values, beliefs, traditions, and behaviors. Writing an essay on cultural identity allows individuals to explore and understand their own cultural backgrounds, as well as those of others. To help you get started, here are 106 cultural identity essay topic ideas and examples:

• Exploring the concept of cultural identity.
• How does cultural identity impact an individual's perspective on the world?
• The role of language in cultural identity.
• The influence of cultural identity on personal relationships.
• The impact of globalization on cultural identity.
• The challenges faced by individuals with a multicultural background.
• How cultural identity shapes one's perception of beauty.
• The connection between cultural identity and self-esteem.
• The portrayal of cultural identity in literature and art.
• The impact of cultural identity on educational achievements.
• How cultural identity affects one's career choices.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping political opinions.
• The influence of cultural identity on religious beliefs and practices.
• The impact of cultural identity on gender roles and expectations.
• The challenges of maintaining cultural identity in a foreign country.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping fashion trends.
• The impact of cultural identity on food and cuisine.
• The connection between cultural identity and music preferences.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping sports and athleticism.
• The influence of cultural identity on parenting styles and values.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards health and wellness.
• The impact of cultural identity on social media usage.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping travel preferences.
• The connection between cultural identity and environmental attitudes.
• The influence of cultural identity on communication styles.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards technology.
• The impact of cultural identity on social justice and activism.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping concepts of time and punctuality.
• The connection between cultural identity and storytelling traditions.
• The influence of cultural identity on celebrations and holidays.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards marriage and family.
• The impact of cultural identity on body image and beauty standards.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping leadership styles.
• The connection between cultural identity and historical narratives.
• The influence of cultural identity on funeral and mourning practices.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards disability and inclusion.
• The impact of cultural identity on concepts of privacy and personal space.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards immigration.
• The connection between cultural identity and social class.
• The influence of cultural identity on leisure and recreational activities.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards mental health and therapy.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of justice and fairness.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping concepts of beauty and attractiveness.
• The connection between cultural identity and social media activism.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards climate change.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards animal rights and conservation.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of technology and innovation.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards entrepreneurship.
• The connection between cultural identity and political engagement.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards globalization.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards multiculturalism and diversity.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of patriotism and national identity.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards immigration policy.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural appropriation.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural preservation.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural assimilation.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural imperialism.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural exchange.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural relativism.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural heritage.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diplomacy.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural authenticity.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural tourism.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural genocide.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural nationalism.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diversity.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural appropriation in fashion.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural preservation in architecture.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural exchange in music.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural assimilation in literature.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural imperialism in media.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural authenticity in food.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural heritage in museums.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural relativism in philosophy.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural diplomacy in politics.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diversity in education.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural appropriation in art.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural preservation in language.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural exchange in dance.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural assimilation in film.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural imperialism in literature.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural authenticity in fashion.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural heritage in music.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural relativism in history.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural diplomacy in sports.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diversity in the workplace.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural appropriation in music.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural preservation in theater.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural exchange in visual arts.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural assimilation in cuisine.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural imperialism in architecture.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural authenticity in literature.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural heritage in film.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural relativism in music.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural diplomacy in fashion.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diversity in media.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural appropriation in theater.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural preservation in film.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural exchange in literature.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural assimilation in visual arts.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural imperialism in music.
• The impact of cultural identity on perceptions of cultural authenticity in theater.
• The role of cultural identity in shaping attitudes towards cultural heritage in dance.
• The connection between cultural identity and attitudes towards cultural relativism in fashion.
• The influence of cultural identity on attitudes towards cultural diplomacy in literature.
• How cultural identity affects attitudes towards cultural diversity in politics.

These cultural identity essay topic ideas and examples offer a wide range of options for exploring the intricate aspects of cultural identity. Remember to choose a topic that resonates with your personal experiences, interests, and perspectives. Good luck with your essay!

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• College essay
• How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples

How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on November 1, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Table of contents

What is a diversity essay, identify how you will enrich the campus community, share stories about your lived experience, explain how your background or identity has affected your life, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Diversity essays ask students to highlight an important aspect of their identity, background, culture, experience, viewpoints, beliefs, skills, passions, goals, etc.

Diversity essays can come in many forms. Some scholarships are offered specifically for students who come from an underrepresented background or identity in higher education. At highly competitive schools, supplemental diversity essays require students to address how they will enhance the student body with a unique perspective, identity, or background.

In the Common Application and applications for several other colleges, some main essay prompts ask about how your background, identity, or experience has affected you.

Why schools want a diversity essay

Many universities believe a student body representing different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community.

Through the diversity essay, admissions officers want students to articulate the following:

• What makes them different from other applicants
• Stories related to their background, identity, or experience
• How their unique lived experience has affected their outlook, activities, and goals

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Think about what aspects of your identity or background make you unique, and choose one that has significantly impacted your life.

For some students, it may be easy to identify what sets them apart from their peers. But if you’re having trouble identifying what makes you different from other applicants, consider your life from an outsider’s perspective. Don’t presume your lived experiences are normal or boring just because you’re used to them.

Some examples of identities or experiences that you might write about include the following:

• Race/ethnicity
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Nationality
• Socioeconomic status
• Immigration background
• Religion/belief system
• Place of residence
• Family circumstances
• Extracurricular activities related to diversity

Include vulnerable, authentic stories about your lived experiences. Maintain focus on your experience rather than going into too much detail comparing yourself to others or describing their experiences.

Keep the focus on you

Tell a story about how your background, identity, or experience has impacted you. While you can briefly mention another person’s experience to provide context, be sure to keep the essay focused on you. Admissions officers are mostly interested in learning about your lived experience, not anyone else’s.

When I was a baby, my grandmother took me in, even though that meant postponing her retirement and continuing to work full-time at the local hairdresser. Even working every shift she could, she never missed a single school play or soccer game.

She and I had a really special bond, even creating our own special language to leave each other secret notes and messages. She always pushed me to succeed in school, and celebrated every academic achievement like it was worthy of a Nobel Prize. Every month, any leftover tip money she received at work went to a special 509 savings plan for my college education.

When I was in the 10th grade, my grandmother was diagnosed with ALS. We didn’t have health insurance, and what began with quitting soccer eventually led to dropping out of school as her condition worsened. In between her doctor’s appointments, keeping the house tidy, and keeping her comfortable, I took advantage of those few free moments to study for the GED.

In school pictures at Raleigh Elementary School, you could immediately spot me as “that Asian girl.” At lunch, I used to bring leftover fun see noodles, but after my classmates remarked how they smelled disgusting, I begged my mom to make a “regular” lunch of sliced bread, mayonnaise, and deli meat.

Although born and raised in North Carolina, I felt a cultural obligation to learn my “mother tongue” and reconnect with my “homeland.” After two years of all-day Saturday Chinese school, I finally visited Beijing for the first time, expecting I would finally belong. While my face initially assured locals of my Chinese identity, the moment I spoke, my cover was blown. My Chinese was littered with tonal errors, and I was instantly labeled as an “ABC,” American-born Chinese.

I felt culturally homeless.

Speak from your own experience

Highlight your actions, difficulties, and feelings rather than comparing yourself to others. While it may be tempting to write about how you have been more or less fortunate than those around you, keep the focus on you and your unique experiences, as shown below.

I began to despair when the FAFSA website once again filled with red error messages.

I had been at the local library for hours and hadn’t even been able to finish the form, much less the other to-do items for my application.

I am the first person in my family to even consider going to college. My parents work two jobs each, but even then, it’s sometimes very hard to make ends meet. Rather than playing soccer or competing in speech and debate, I help my family by taking care of my younger siblings after school and on the weekends.

“We only speak one language here. Speak proper English!” roared a store owner when I had attempted to buy bread and accidentally used the wrong preposition.

In middle school, I had relentlessly studied English grammar textbooks and received the highest marks.

Leaving Seoul was hard, but living in West Orange, New Jersey was much harder一especially navigating everyday communication with Americans.

After sharing relevant personal stories, make sure to provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your perspective, activities, and goals. You should also explain how your background led you to apply to this university and why you’re a good fit.

Include your outlook, actions, and goals

Conclude your essay with an insight about how your background or identity has affected your outlook, actions, and goals. You should include specific actions and activities that you have done as a result of your insight.

One night, before the midnight premiere of Avengers: Endgame , I stopped by my best friend Maria’s house. Her mother prepared tamales, churros, and Mexican hot chocolate, packing them all neatly in an Igloo lunch box. As we sat in the line snaking around the AMC theater, I thought back to when Maria and I took salsa classes together and when we belted out Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” at karaoke. In that moment, as I munched on a chicken tamale, I realized how much I admired the beauty, complexity, and joy in Maria’s culture but had suppressed and devalued my own.

The following semester, I joined Model UN. Since then, I have learned how to proudly represent other countries and have gained cultural perspectives other than my own. I now understand that all cultures, including my own, are equal. I still struggle with small triggers, like when I go through airport security and feel a suspicious glance toward me, or when I feel self-conscious for bringing kabsa to school lunch. But in the future, I hope to study and work in international relations to continue learning about other cultures and impart a positive impression of Saudi culture to the world.

The smell of the early morning dew and the welcoming whinnies of my family’s horses are some of my most treasured childhood memories. To this day, our farm remains so rural that we do not have broadband access, and we’re too far away from the closest town for the postal service to reach us.

Going to school regularly was always a struggle: between the unceasing demands of the farm and our lack of connectivity, it was hard to keep up with my studies. Despite being a voracious reader, avid amateur chemist, and active participant in the classroom, emergencies and unforeseen events at the farm meant that I had a lot of unexcused absences.

Although it had challenges, my upbringing taught me resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of family. Staying up all night to watch a foal being born, successfully saving the animals from a minor fire, and finding ways to soothe a nervous mare afraid of thunder have led to an unbreakable family bond.

Our farm is my family’s birthright and our livelihood, and I am eager to learn how to ensure the farm’s financial and technological success for future generations. In college, I am looking forward to joining a chapter of Future Farmers of America and studying agricultural business to carry my family’s legacy forward.

Tailor your answer to the university

After explaining how your identity or background will enrich the university’s existing student body, you can mention the university organizations, groups, or courses in which you’re interested.

Maybe a larger public school setting will allow you to broaden your community, or a small liberal arts college has a specialized program that will give you space to discover your voice and identity. Perhaps this particular university has an active affinity group you’d like to join.

Demonstrating how a university’s specific programs or clubs are relevant to you can show that you’ve done your research and would be a great addition to the university.

At the University of Michigan Engineering, I want to study engineering not only to emulate my mother’s achievements and strength, but also to forge my own path as an engineer with disabilities. I appreciate the University of Michigan’s long-standing dedication to supporting students with disabilities in ways ranging from accessible housing to assistive technology. At the University of Michigan Engineering, I want to receive a top-notch education and use it to inspire others to strive for their best, regardless of their circumstances.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

In addition to your main college essay , some schools and scholarships may ask for a supplementary essay focused on an aspect of your identity or background. This is sometimes called a diversity essay .

Many universities believe a student body composed of different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community, which is why they assign a diversity essay .

To write an effective diversity essay , include vulnerable, authentic stories about your unique identity, background, or perspective. Provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your outlook, activities, and goals. If relevant, you should also mention how your background has led you to apply for this university and why you’re a good fit.

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Courault, K. (2023, May 31). How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/diversity-essay/

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