Edinburgh Napier University

This workshop explores how culture is created and maintained at all levels of society and how conflict or misunderstandings can occur when people react or behave in ways contrary to our expectations or in ways that conflict with personal values. The workshop is relevant for all staff and may be of particular benefit to staff who undertake University duties abroad.

The workshop aims to encourage staff to share their experiences of culture in the widest sense of the word and to reflect on how they felt when they have been in the minority group. This may have been in previous posts, within a social setting or whilst abroad.

The workshop's objective is to ensure staff have a greater understanding of the interface between majority (or dominant) cultures and minority cultures and can be used as a catalyst to further learning.

In particular, the workshop explores:

- How values are arrived at and how they affect our behaviour and decision-making

- What we mean by culture and how it has changed in the UK in the last 20-30 years

- What coping mechanisms minority groups employ to help them 'fit in'

- Multiple identities and how they may be at odds with assumptions we make about particular groups

- The role of the media in shaping culture, maintaining prejudices and reinforcing stereotypes

This workshop is highly interactive and uses Turningpoint, group-work exercises and video to encourage discussion and debate.

For further information and to book a place please go to