Culture and Development: Sense of Self

Cultural background helps children sense who they are. Growing up within a specific social environment shapes their understanding of the world and themselves. It provides a sense of belonging while also shaping their framework for understanding social norms and values. Languages, customs, and traditions help children understand social cues and develop. This is why immersion in culture is important for a child’s development.

Moreover, cultures tend to lean towards either collectivism or individualism.  Collectivistic cultures prioritize the goals of the society as a whole, while individualistic cultures focus more on the goals of a person. Both these approaches of culture influence the way a person thinks and acts. This also influences a child’s goals and future.

Understanding the ways cultures influence people and their actions is crucial in highlighting the importance of its preservation. Cultural preservation ensures that the heritage that is passed down from generation to generation is not lost, but rather cherished. It also shapes how a person acts and thinks within and outside of a group.

At CCD-NL, we understand the importance of preserving and upholding traditions. Therefore, we have conducted various activities to safeguard cultures. In our webinar “Sharing Kasuri’s Tomorrow”, we have highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting and preserving Japanese cultural heritage. In our Project “Threads of Tradition: Fostering Cultural Ties Through Ikat Art”, we have strengthened the cultural ties between the Netherlands and Indonesia, promoting the sustainable collaboration and knowledge exchange between the artisans. Moreover, in our webinar “Maintaining Tradition in a Transitory World”, we have discussed the history and sustainable development of a Japanese textile Kasuri. 

Culture is not a fixed entity; It is dynamic and ever-changing. At CCD-NL, we focus on sustainable cultural development. Through our initiatives, we aim to preserve the cultural heritage while also focusing on innovation. We hope to ensure that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations to come.