What Are Some Examples of Cultural Barriers?
Cultural barriers may include differing languages, differing practices as related to medical procedures, and different conceptions of gender and sexuality. These barriers can lead to serious miscommunications between parties with differing cultural backgrounds.
Language presents perhaps the most significant single cultural barrier. When two individuals do not share a common language it is increasingly likely that they will also suffer from other barriers, such as a lack of shared body language and cultural context. This leads to difficulty navigating even the most basic situations and can even cause more serious miscommunications.
Customs in cuisine differ between social groups and can often be a cause for concern. Animals kept as pets in one culture might be used as a source of food in another. Some cultures employ dogs and horses in this manner, a practice viewed as normal in most of the world and as distasteful in parts of the Western world. Like many barriers this can cause enmity and tension.
Religious groups like the Christian Scientists have strictures and other religious laws against accepting blood transfusions and related procedures. This can cause extreme friction between members of the faith, most members of the medical profession and family members outside of the church.
