Breaking Through Culture Shock

by Elizabeth Marx

Nicholas Brealey Publishers, London, 1999 www.nbrealey-books.com $25.00

Reviewed by Pam Perraud

It is interesting that a German psychologist trained in England has written a book in English for today’s newly global businessman. It is a self-help coaching book designed to show those who are going abroad what they need to do to soften the effects of culture shock. It also tells them what they need to do to maximize their career development before, during and after the assignment.

So what relevancy does that have to spouses living overseas? Well, Ms. Marx does a very good job explaining the process of culture shock and the fact that it, culture shock is STRESS. She explains how stress control can help one control the whole process. Coping with stress has two levels – coping with emotions and problem –focused coping. These concepts are universally applicable whether you are a homemaker or manager.

She synthesizes a lot of material on cross-cultural research from Trompenaars and Hofstede in terms of making sense of other cultures and becoming "culturally sensitive " in order to think differently abroad and act more effectively. These too are practical for anyone living abroad.

She also talks a lot about managing an international career. Specific chapters are dedicated to singles, dual careers, frequent flyers and internationally mobile kids. I personally feel that the chapter on the role of the spouse was particularly interesting. She notes that

"Annabel Hendry, an anthropologist (currently working in the British Foreign Office) who researched the role of diplomatic wives, points out that in traditional marriages, the wife absorbs the stresses of family life. She makes a convincing argument for how this can affect marital relationships. Absorbing the family’s stresses, including the husband’s worries, can result in depression, similar to those of the culture shock model. As a result the wife withdraws or shows negative emotions. Often the reason for this behavior is not clear to the husband, which makes it difficult for him to understand his wife. If the situation is prolonged, he may look for support elsewhere, culminating in serious marital problems."

To any spouse who has moved, this should come as no real surprise. However, it is comforting to know that it is a very common phenomenon, not isolated to a few "nutcases."

For those wishing to hear more from Ms.Marx and her ideas, she will be one of the lead speakers at the Sixth International Women on the Move Conference in London March 27-28, sponsored by Focus Information Services. For more information contact

www.focus-info.org Tel. 44 20 7937 0050.

Pam Perraud is President of Global Transitions, a company specializing in cross- cultural training and spouse employment counseling. She is a founder of Focus Information Services in London, assisting expatriates and was the organizer of the first Women on the Move Conference in Paris. She is based in New York City.