These are the issues on how cultural aspects do affect People with Special Experiences (PSEs).
(1) There are family/clan-based politics.
Asian society is patriarchal in general. The first son in the family is almost prepared to succeed the position of leading the whole clan. If he has a condition, there is tremendous pressure for him to 'cure' or deal with his conditions and support the whole clan.
However, if one has enough clan support, this could add to the support system the PSE has. In addition to one?s own familial support, the extended family structure in clans do give many, many more people to take care, look after, or help with his social resources, to better enable the PSE with a better life.
(2) Lack of government support in its role for disadvantaged citizens.
Traditionally, Asian governments do not deal with welfare, as people are assumed to have their own land to live in. The role of government is to control over people, and to provide basic defence and infrastructure services. Today, governmental expansion in Asia has not grown with societal demands, as there are continued under-investment in education and health services, as well as social services.
PSEs in Asia hence do not get sufficient funding and governmental support for their conditions. This severely reduces the potential for PSEs to contribute to society, from a wider point of view. However, because of the lack of governmental support, families and clans usually tend to be much more pro-active and less reliant on the government, in terms of support and help for their PSE children.
(3) Honour
In some parts of Asian society, the values of honour and dishonour is emphasised. Honour is a perceived evaluation of both standing and respectability in society. Asian societies tend to focus on this value concept excessively, to the extent that it would be shameful if one does not do what is socially respected and expected. For example, everyone is supposed to try for University education (even though Asian universities cap enrolment), everyone is supposed to have a girl/boyfriend, etc.
Some PSEs may not be suitable for University education, or to have romantic relationships, but they are forced to anyway. However, this ensures that PSEs are equipped with social sense of good and bad, even more so than PSEs in places, where honour may not be valued as much as Asia.
(4) Globalisation pressure
There are tremendous internal struggle for people to deal with two cultures: One traditionally and distintctively local, another 'modern contemporary' culture that is ubiquitous everywhere throughout the world.
The PSE mind, already experiencing an upheaval for the acceptance of his (or her) identity, is further swirled and twisted by the fast-changing society to a fast-paced, impatient and intolerant one. This may not be so conducive or supportive to the PSE mind.
However, the PSE mind can be stretched, by external forces, to a more open-minded mindset, accepting everything that comes into his way.
(1) There are family/clan-based politics.
Asian society is patriarchal in general. The first son in the family is almost prepared to succeed the position of leading the whole clan. If he has a condition, there is tremendous pressure for him to 'cure' or deal with his conditions and support the whole clan.
However, if one has enough clan support, this could add to the support system the PSE has. In addition to one?s own familial support, the extended family structure in clans do give many, many more people to take care, look after, or help with his social resources, to better enable the PSE with a better life.
(2) Lack of government support in its role for disadvantaged citizens.
Traditionally, Asian governments do not deal with welfare, as people are assumed to have their own land to live in. The role of government is to control over people, and to provide basic defence and infrastructure services. Today, governmental expansion in Asia has not grown with societal demands, as there are continued under-investment in education and health services, as well as social services.
PSEs in Asia hence do not get sufficient funding and governmental support for their conditions. This severely reduces the potential for PSEs to contribute to society, from a wider point of view. However, because of the lack of governmental support, families and clans usually tend to be much more pro-active and less reliant on the government, in terms of support and help for their PSE children.
(3) Honour
In some parts of Asian society, the values of honour and dishonour is emphasised. Honour is a perceived evaluation of both standing and respectability in society. Asian societies tend to focus on this value concept excessively, to the extent that it would be shameful if one does not do what is socially respected and expected. For example, everyone is supposed to try for University education (even though Asian universities cap enrolment), everyone is supposed to have a girl/boyfriend, etc.
Some PSEs may not be suitable for University education, or to have romantic relationships, but they are forced to anyway. However, this ensures that PSEs are equipped with social sense of good and bad, even more so than PSEs in places, where honour may not be valued as much as Asia.
(4) Globalisation pressure
There are tremendous internal struggle for people to deal with two cultures: One traditionally and distintctively local, another 'modern contemporary' culture that is ubiquitous everywhere throughout the world.
The PSE mind, already experiencing an upheaval for the acceptance of his (or her) identity, is further swirled and twisted by the fast-changing society to a fast-paced, impatient and intolerant one. This may not be so conducive or supportive to the PSE mind.
However, the PSE mind can be stretched, by external forces, to a more open-minded mindset, accepting everything that comes into his way.
