DOI: 10.5176/2382-5650_CCS18.122
Authors: Karen L. Rudick, Kathy K. Previs and Austin Hines
Abstract:
According to Littlejohn and Foss, Standpoint Theory “focuses on how the circumstances of an individual’s life affect how that individual understands and constructs a social world” [3]. Marginalized groups are aware of the differences between their worldview (standpoint) and those empowered in society, whereas, those empowered are unaware. From this, we investigate cultural views of the Asian community on public displays of affection. In conducting this research, we explore shifts in standpoints from being empowered in one’s culture, to being marginalized in a new culture. The research design and execution consisted of two stages. The first stage consisted of a paper survey of nineteen students native to Japan and one from China and an internet survey of seven Japanese university students across the United States, totaling 27 students. The survey questions asked how individuals felt about public displays of affection (PDA) when living in Japan, and how they feel about it now, after living in America. By looking at the responses given, we examine possible shifts in standpoint on public displays of affection in Asian students. We implemented a second stage of research after viewing the results of stage one, which revealed how some of the subjects would view PDA upon their return to Japan or their future standpoint. Twelve students were interviewed in the presence of an interpreter. All interviews were recorded and transcribed.
Keywords:public displays of affection, standpoint theory, marginalized groups, cultural views, culture, Japanese students, American culture, PDA
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