No two human beings have the same iris pattern or fingerprints. In the same way, no two people have the same psychological patterns. Each person’s mind determines the meaning that they attach to people and situations and the actions that they decide to take.
For instance, one person might have a critical mind that makes them good at mathematics and logic. Therefore, they are able to excel at tasks that require analysis. Another individual might be good at creative arts and might excel in activities that require improvisation.
Let’s not forget that our upbringing, cultural systems, and personal experiences go a long way toward shaping our reactions to situations. According to research, constructivist psychology studies tell us that humans actively construct meaning from experience. At SR Journal (The Social Research Journal), we explore these patterns in depth.
Therefore, you are bound to meet people who share worldviews that oppose yours. When you meet them, here is how to tips to help you handle their perspective.
Know your own Perspective
You need to be grounded in your convictions before you can understand the perspectives of other people. Think about the topic at hand. Ask yourself about experiences that you have had that shape why you are thinking in a specific direction towards the topic. What are your cultural biases and assumptions that shape your views about the subject matter?
For example, you might feel that all women should be financially independent, regardless of how much their spouses earn. You might have that view because you have seen females suffer in marriages because of financial dependency.
Seek out Diverse Perspectives
Before meeting people who share a different worldview from you, you can reduce the “culture shock” by preparing yourself. Thanks to today’s digital and interconnected world, you can expose yourself to different perspectives via blogs, articles and videos. The internet is littered with people from different countries, cultural backgrounds, educational levels and institutions giving their opinions on arrays of topics.
You can also reach out to friends, family members, and the online community to find people with perspectives on issues that differ from yours. Ask them about their experiences and why they think the way they do. You can also attend events in your workplace and academic institution. This way, you expose yourself to a lot of worldviews.
For instance, let’s assume that you attend a public health conference whose goal to effectively stop future pandemics. One person might rise up and say that lockdowns are a necessary step to save human lives. Another person might feel that lockdowns give governments the right to infringe on the rights of citizens.
Understand that Emotions are Powerful in shaping our Perspective
Most human beings put their emotions before rational reasoning. Our emotions don’t always make us do or say the right things all the time. Unfortunately, our emotions end up feeding our cognitive biases. We tend to seek information that validates what we hold to be true.
Furthermore, Research has shown that fear narrows our thinking while safety expands it. For example, a person who has been a victim of theft or cajacking might argue for strict punishments against offenders, even if such policies could harm innocent people. Another person might be into activism because they have experienced discrimination throughout their lives.
Practice Active Listening and Curiosity
When you meet people who share different points of view from you, don’t be quick to shut them down. If you try to cut them off at intervals, poke holes in their views or argue with them, you risk missing the full description of their perspective.
Instead, listen actively and give them cues to show that you are not being dismissive. Instead of preparing a response, listen to the emotions behind their speech and understand the context behind it.
Ask open-ended questions about their experiences and motivation. When there is an issue at hand, keep in mind that there are three views – your view, the other person’s own and that of an objective observer.
Final Thoughts
The most important takeaway is to accept that people cannot interpret the world in the same way. We all have different realities and opinions. Our families, societies and experiences shape our values.
We also need to accept that some disagreement is permanent. We can still live together while sharing different worldviews. Pluralistic societies are a testament to this fact.