From: hubermanlab
In the fascinating discussion between Andrew Huberman and Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, the role of culture in how we learn and experience emotions is significantly highlighted. Dr. Immordino-Yang’s research connects the dots between our cultural environments and the ways they shape our emotional responses and learning processes. Below, we delve into the key insights from their conversation and how cultural factors influence our cognitive and emotional development.
The Intersection of Culture and Neuroscience
Dr. Immordino-Yang emphasizes that our biology is inherently social and interdependent, which profoundly impacts our learning and emotional experiences. She states, “Our biology is inherently a social one. We are directly dependent on other people for the formulation of our own sense of self” [00:13:01]. This dependency illustrates the foundational role that culture plays in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Cultural Narratives and Emotional Development
One of the remarkable aspects of human cognition is how cultural narratives and experiences mold our emotional and mental life. Dr. Immordino-Yang provides an example of discussing cultural influences by comparing how different societies perceive visual stimuli. In Japan, people often describe scenes focusing on the environment and context, while in Western cultures, individuals may focus more on prominent subjects in the foreground. This difference underscores how deeply cultural narratives can shape perception from a young age [00:54:01].
The Role of Education
Dr. Immordino-Yang also critiques the traditional education system, which tends to prioritize performance and memorization over curiosity and engagement. She notes, “Whatever you’re having emotion about is what you’re thinking about… if the emotions are about ideas, then what you’re engaging with is learning about ideas” [01:20:19]. She argues for an educational approach that leverages students’ emotions about ideas to foster deep, meaningful learning.
Cross-Cultural Emotions and the Default Mode Network
Culturally shaped emotions activate specific neural networks. In their discussion, Dr. Immordino-Yang describes how the brain’s default mode network supports transcendent and imaginative thinking. This network is crucial when people use narrative thinking and engage in tasks requiring cultural and contextual knowledge. It’s activated not just by direct experiential inputs but by the broader cultural narratives we construct around those experiences [00:38:33].
Practical Implications
Understanding these cultural dynamics has practical implications. By acknowledging and incorporating cultural contexts into education and social interactions, we can create more inclusive and understanding environments. Dr. Immordino-Yang suggests that educational systems should nurture curiosity and allow students to explore ideas deeply, which can also be informed by cultural contexts [01:25:01].
In essence, the cultural influences on learning and emotions are profound and pervasive. They shape the neural processes underlying our thinking and feeling, guiding how we interpret experiences throughout life. The Huberman Lab Podcast episode with Dr. Immordino-Yang provides deep insights into these complex interactions, revealing the transformative potential of integrating cultural understandings into educational strategies.