Dressler’s ‘Last Lecture’ to Spotlight Cultural Influences on Behavior

Dressler’s ‘Last Lecture’ to Spotlight Cultural Influences on Behavior

Humans are often referred to as creatures of habit. We often develop habits and behaviors that shape our lives without us realizing it. And while we may think we develop these behaviors based on personal preferences or unique characteristics that each of us possess individually, we don’t realize how much we are products of our cultural environment.

Dr. William Dressler, professor in the department of anthropology, has spent his career researching how cultural influences mold individual behavior and health. Dressler will speak on the topic as part of the Last Lecture Series on April 2 at 7 p.m. in 1000 North Lawn. The event is open to the UA community and a reception will follow the lecture.

“I’ve always been interested in how we can measure cultural influences on people’s lives and connect that with their behavior,” said Dressler. “The idea that we are so immersed in our culture that it shapes what we do and who we are is something I’ve been fascinated by for quite some time.”

While there are many different interpretations of the word culture, Dressler views culture in a practical way. Rather than an exotic or large scale entity, he sees culture as a tool that we use without even knowing in our everyday lives.

According to Dressler, humans develop various models of behavior based on their environment. Models can range from how we view family dynamics to individual goals and aspirations.

“Working to figure out what it is that people share and being able to trace that into their behavior is something that has proven to be very fruitful in social sciences,” said Dressler.

Dressler’s upcoming lecture titled, “Culture: A User’s Guide,” will not only feature some of his research, but how to gain a consciousness of the influences on our lives.

“We Americans like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists who make up our own minds, and of course every individual does have some autonomy no matter what society they live in,” said Dressler. “But at the same time, we exercise our autonomy in the context of our own culture.

“I want to leave people with the idea that in order to live a truly authentic life, you have to be aware of these cultural constraints and resources.”

The Last Lecture Series is hosted annually by UA’s Graduate School. UA faculty are nominated and selected by a committee of undergraduate and graduate students to present a highly engaging lecture as if it was the last time the faculty member had an opportunity to address a group of students.

“I can’t begin to describe how much it means to be selected,” said Dressler. “We’re charged to provide students with not only the skills they will be able to take into the workplace, but also provide them with a broader context in which to live their lives. This honor makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”