Cultural Patterns The Lens We Inherit and See the World Through
Discover how cultural patterns influence our lives.
Cultural Patterns are the deeply rooted beliefs and behaviors we inherit from our families, communities, and broader cultural systems. Shaped by early experiences and the messages we receive growing up, these patterns influence how we interpret the world and interact with others—often without us even realizing it.
At Dovetail Learning, we refer to these as Cultural Patterns because they are:
Passed down through generations
Shaped by family norms, cultural expectations, and community dynamics
Deeply tied to our identity and sense of belonging
Often invisible until we begin to reflect on them
These patterns can show up in our daily lives as:
Core beliefs about what is “right,” “normal,” or “successful”
Automatic judgments or assumptions about others
Expectations around roles, communication, and behavior
Reactions to conflict, authority, or change
Inner narratives that shape our self-worth and decisions
While Cultural Patterns can offer valuable guidance, they can also reinforce limiting beliefs or unconscious biases. By learning to notice and reflect on them, we gain the power to:
Discern which beliefs support our well-being—and which don’t
Choose how we respond rather than react from old scripts
Strengthen our resilience and create space for new ways of being
Becoming aware of our Cultural Patterns is a powerful step toward more inclusive, compassionate, and connected communities.
Think about what Cultural Patterns you have. With what lenses do you see the world and what beliefs emerge from those lenses?
Recognize when your Cultural Patterns influence you.
When do these Cultural Patterns help you? When these Cultural Patterns hurt you? Is there a current situation in your life that my Cultural Patterns are part of what isn’t working? If so, what could be done to move forward?
When you make assumptions about others, what is the impact on you or others?
Model
When influenced by a Cultural Pattern, name your bias for those around you and whether it is helping or harming.
Coach
Listen for others’ potential Cultural Patterns. Be curious about them. Reflect back what you hear.
