Chinua Achebe's Things fall apart Research Paper

Chinua Achebe's Things fall apart - Research Paper Example Culture may mean a set of shared paradigms that reflect the values, attitudes and beliefs of a person, together with the tools and artifacts that make life possible for a unit of individuals. Future generations inherit the norms and beliefs, leading to further acquisition of culture. Culture usually consists of values and norms that guide the behavior of those who share in it, thereby, it is synonymous to tradition. Cultural differences are as a result of many factors, but most importantly, geographical locations. It is also common to find a minor culture within a major one, that is to say, cultures and sub cultures. For example, many people would be aware of the African culture that emphasizes unity and brotherliness. However, within the African culture, there are subcultures defined by the location of each country. Even further, there are subcultures within a country. In reference to the definition of a culture, it is clear that a culture is present everywhere; within a society, an organization, a family or among friends. However, this paper will emphasize on societal culture with emphasis on conflicts caused by culture and its aspects such as sexuality, culture change and language. The paper gives reference to Things fall apart, a book by Chinua Achebe. Chinua Achebe narrates the consequences and struggles that accompany cultural change, and how it affects the people of a rural village, Umuofia. Before the arrival of missionaries, the people in Umuofia village had a patterned culture, which defined their traditions. They worshiped gods, offered sacrifices and lived communally. Additionally, leadership and war determined a man’s worth to the society. Achebe uses Okonkwo as an example of what the village expects of a man (Achebe 35). Achebe develops conflict in the eyes of a clash between change and culture. The arrival of missionaries threatens the stability of this culture, bringing with it unexpected change. Whenever there is an anticipated change in culture and tradition, conflict usually arises. Conflict refers to a state of competition between groups or people with goals that are incompatible, struggle for power, or struggle for scarce resources. Conflict is an essential aspect of human relationships, and so people always devise appropriate ways to resolve conflicts whenever they occur. For the people of Umuofia, villager elders resolved conflicts between people or groups within the village. People conceive conflicts differently, and this determines the ways they devise to deal with conflicts. Some people conceive conflict as a result of a struggle for resources necessary for people to reach their goals. Others perceive it differently, with no connection to material acquisition. They see it as a result of divergent perceptions about issues, situations or beliefs. These conceptions reflect the complexity of social behavior and perceptions. Understanding conflicts requires insight that most conflicts include mixed motives that include cooperation and competition. One must also understand that the parties conflicting believe that their respective divergent goals are responsible for the conflicts. This is important because the people involved will ultimately act on their perceptions and beliefs. The conception that conflict is as a result of the struggle for scarce resources is referred to as â€Å"realism†