Introduction
Our norms and values are an integral part of our Zimbabwean culture. It is part of our ethical value that is our unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu. Our norms and values propagates our traditions. This involves being respectful to elders, obedient to parents and figures of authority, having self-control and patience, as well as observing cultural customs and the social structures in place. There is a strong emphasis on communal values, warmth, prudence and considerate behaviour.
Task
By the end of the lesson students should be able to identify Zimbabwean norms and values which include:-
-African dignity
-humanity
-reciprocity
-shared relations
-shared culture
-solidarity
-communalism
-positivity
students should be able to differentiate between Zimbabwean and foreign norms and values
students also have to assess the threats that hinder the continuity of our culture.
Process
Overview
The effects of remain imprinted on aspects of society. This is especially visible in the widespread use of English, the adoption of Christianity and associated Christian family values. Colonial impact has left a dualism in the practices and values of Zimbabweans. For example, the country operates under a twofold legal system incorporating both traditional law and Roman Dutch Law. Traditional chiefs enforce traditional law whereas Roman Dutch Law is the conventional law. Both legal systems are legitimate and any decision made independently by them is legally binding.
Increased urbanisation and globalisation have also influenced the traditional culture of Zimbabwe. Pop culture and the Internet have introduced ideas of personal and individual choice, leading some to value those new ideas over societal obligation and communal organisation. Young people in particular are challenging ideas of the cultural . Furthermore, while traditional Zimbabwean culture takes quite a fluid approach to timekeeping, the growing population living in the larger cities is becoming more time-bound. Many native Zimbabweans see these changes posing a negative effect on the traditional family and social structures. Others would argue that access and exposure to technology has enhanced their practices to suit the contemporary environment. Either way, the globalisation of cities has created a power imbalance between urban dwellers and rural dwellers. Most rural households are partly or totally dependent on the remittances sent back by a family member in an urban area.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/zimbabwean-culture/zimbabwean-culture-core-concepts
Zimbabwean norms
Stand up to greet people who have recently entered a room.
Respect is shown by physically lowering oneself below another person’s stature. When meeting or interacting with someone older or of a higher status, it is polite to lower one’s head or body below theirs. Women commonly give a slight curtsy or bend at the knees.
People should address elders and those of a higher status first, using their title and surname and formal pronouns.
It is extremely rude to talk back to an elder or challenge their opinion, even if they are incorrect.
Offer guests hot water to wash their hands before giving them tea.
Gratitude is often shown nonverbally with claps to show respect. People clap twice to say “thank you” if someone is passing them something. If one hand is full, they may clap a hand on their chest instead.
It is respectful to pass and receive items with both hands together. If being more casual, use the right hand only.
It is considered bad taste to wear provocative clothing. Skirts and pants should reach the knee; shoulders and midriffs should be covered.
If wearing a hat, take it off when talking to someone or entering indoors.
You can expect to be asked questions about your personal life and family when initially meeting someone. For example, they may ask whether you have a spouse and how many children you have.
When visiting a Zimbabwean’s house, it is the norm to arrive with a small gift for the host. Food is usually appropriate.
It is not usually necessary to take off your shoes when entering a home. However, remove your hat.
Expect to be offered refreshments of tea or coffee at any visit and accept the gesture out of politeness.
People say “Pamusoroi” in Shona before eating.
In Zimbabwe, people usually sit to eat on low stools or gather around a mat on the floor.
Utensils are commonly used, but it is also normal to eat with one’s fingers.
Water is always provided to wash one’s hands before and after a meal. Women give men a dish to wash their hands so they don’t have to get up and do it themselves.
The host usually serves everybody individually.
Do not talk whilst you are eating/have food in your mouth.
It is rude to be on your phone at the table.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/zimbabwean-culture/zimbabwean-culture-etiquette
Other basic values include:
- Unhu/ubuntu
- Respect for elders
- Valuing the family and family unit. This includes the extended family also
- Giving
- Respect for our ancestors
Following our culture and respecting it is part of our norms and values. The Zimbabwean women are expected follow the lead of their husbands. There are certain chores that are expected of the women to do and men have their own set of chores. On family gatherings or funerals there are certain chores expected of the daughter in law such as cooking and providing water to bath for family members. The son in law is expected to fetch firewood and slaughter animals. The extended family is very important in Zimbabwe.
https://dadaya.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHAPTER-3-CULTURAL-HERITAGE-NORMS-AND-VALUES.pdf
FOREIGN NORMS AND VALUES
These are borrowed concepts of what is the expected behavior of a person in a society. Due to the diffusion of cultures through Information Communication Technology, urbanization and globalization our indigenous culture threatened. https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/values-and-norms-in-world-politics/
The dynamics of world politics in the 21st century more often move from the traditional balance of power to the normative and value conditioning of foreign policy actions. Therefore, moral attitudes begin to play an ever larger role, sometimes even prevailing over the law in world diplomacy and the foreign policy struggle.
Some examples of foreign norms and values
- individualism
- child belong to the biological parents only
- sexual scandals are regarded as normal
- freedom of sexuality
- equality between husband and wife
- minimal dressing
Threats to our norms and values
- Globalization
- Urbanization
- Christianity
- Media
- Peer pressure
- Information Communication Technology
Evaluation
Evaluation Rubric
| excellent | good | fair | poor | |
|
problem solving |
students show that they they can find solutions to the threats of our norms and values | students can find some of the solutions | student can see that there is need for a solution | students can not find solutions to the threats to our norms and values |
|
creativity
|
students can demonstrate our norms and values | students can demonstrate some of our norms and values | students can know some of our norms and values | students can not relate to our norms and values |
|
content knowledge |
students show that they have an in-depth knowledge of our norms and values. | students show that they have basic knowledge of our norms and values | student know some norms and values | students still lack knowledge of our norms and values. |
Conclusion
Our culture encompasses a myriad of customs, rituals, and traditions passed down through generations. From the rhythmic beats of traditional drums to the kaleidoscope of colour adorning our ceremonial attire, each element narrates a tale of our history, beliefs, and values. Deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and influenced by illustrious civilizations like the Great Zimbabwe Empire, our cultural heritage echoes the resilience and brilliance of our forebears. Their legacy resonates in our music, dance, art, and oral traditions, perpetually inspiring and uniting us. From the festivities of events like the Intwasa Arts Festival to the reverent practices of ancestral homage, our culture epitomizes diversity and unity. It manifests in our hospitality, cuisine, and music, echoing the heartbeat of Zimbabwe.
However, our cultural norms and values are facing extinction due to the outside influence. Christianity has pushed our indigenous culture to the margins. Youths of today now equate our culture to backwardness and barbarianism.
Credits
Teacher Page
Level Ordinary level
Subject Heritage Studies
The WebQuest is meant for learners to know our Zimbabwean norms and values. Learners need to appreciate our values of unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu. For us to co-exist in harmony our norms and values have to be followed. Strict adherence to our norms and values would make us true Zimbabweans. However we can not run away from the threats that threaten our very culture. Students need to know the threats as well as know how to preserve our originality.