Question

Is the evolutionary approach and the cultural approach to emotions compatible or incompatible? How might we think about the interaction between biologically adaptive functions of emotions and at the same time account for cultural differences in the experience and/or expression of emotion?

Answer 1

Yes evolutionary and cultural approach to emotions is compatible. Just like the traditional debate of nature vs nurture about any psychological concept. While evolutionary approach essentially focuses on adaptative and representative function of any biological rationale behind evolvement of any emotion like anger, happiness,disgust, shyness etc. ( as given by Ekman et.al. in his study of primary emotions felt by every human).Cultural attitudes, preferences, gender roles, environment, ethnicity, age etc are factors that guide manifestation of these emotions. Even presence or absence of other might affect display of such emotions, known as "display rules". While certain cukture and ethnicities prefer loud and clear display of emotions, others might prefer a more covert display of emotions. For example, Such as in cultures like japan anger is more indirectly manifested through low verbal exchange of problem. Whereas in many western culture anger might be manifested in physical violence. Similarly body language and getures associated with the particular emotion is also highly contextual in nature. While some cultures prefer touch, eyecontact, low voice tone while displaying warmth & love. In some cultures low eyecontact is associated with guiltor at times with shyness.

It is therefore difficult to point out who follows who, but in line with the popular belief, it can be surely said that both evolutionary and cultural factors play an important role in display of basic emotions felt by every individualm