Kalervo Oberg: Pioneer of Culture Shock

Kalervo Oberg (1901-1973) was a pioneering anthropologist renowned for coining the term "culture shock." Born in British Columbia to Finnish parents, Oberg's early life was influenced by his diverse cultural background. He embarked on his academic journey at the University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Economics, followed by a Master of Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. His academic pursuits culminated in a doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he completed a dissertation titled "The Social Economy of the Tlingit Indians of Alaska."

Oberg's passion for fieldwork was the cornerstone of his career. His extensive and wide-ranging fieldwork across various cultures distinguished him as a prominent figure in anthropology. He held numerous government positions overseas, working with the Institute of Inter-American Affairs, a precursor to the U.S. Agency for International Development. His assignments took him to Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Surinam, where he meticulously documented his experiences, providing valuable insights into diverse cultures.

In 1954, Oberg introduced the term "culture shock," a concept that became central to understanding the psychological impact of relocating to a new culture. He described culture shock as a condition with identifiable causes, symptoms, and remedies. According to Oberg, individuals undergoing culture shock often experience feelings of disorientation, frustration, and anxiety when confronted with unfamiliar cultural norms and practices. His observations highlighted the universal nature of this phenomenon, emphasizing that all human beings are susceptible to it when they move to a different cultural environment.

Oberg's work in applied anthropology extended beyond theoretical contributions; he actively shared his findings to help others navigate cross-cultural experiences. His legacy continues to influence the fields of anthropology and international development, providing a framework for understanding and managing cultural transitions.

Kalervo Oberg passed away in 1973, leaving behind a rich legacy of anthropological insights and a deeper understanding of the human experience across cultures. His concept of culture shock remains a fundamental idea in the study of cultural adaptation and continues to resonate in an increasingly globalized world.
Kalervo Oberg: Pioneer of Culture Shock

Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’

Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’
He was born in British Columbia to Finnish parents in 1901. Kalervo Oberg was known as a world renowned anthropologist. He was a civil servant and a teacher.

He graduated from University of British Columbia with Bachelor of Economics before proceed to Master of Economics from University of Pittsburgh. He earned his doctorate from University of Chicago with dissertation, the Social Economy of the Tlingit Indians of Alaska.

He loved with his fieldwork and his extensive and wide ranging fieldwork was his biggest accomplishment. Oberg then worked in various government postings overseas, including the Institute of Inter-American Affairs, forerunner of the U.S. Agency for International Development, with assignments including Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Surinam.

He traveled the world and wrote about the experiences so others could enjoy them as well. He was a world-renowned applied anthropologist. He was the first to introduce the term "Culture shock" and he was the best known coined for the idea in 1954. He found that all human beings experience the same feelings when they travel to or live in a different country or culture.

He found that culture shock is almost like a disease: it has a cause, symptoms and a cure. Kalervo Oberg died in 1973.
Kalervo Oberg (1901 -1973) – anthropologist who introduced the term ‘culture shock’