Figure 10

HOW CULTURAL VALUES ARE EXPRESSED IN BEHAVIOR



VALUES HOW EXPRESSED IN BEHAVIOR POSITIVE RESULTS FOR CONFORMING NEGATIVE RESULTS FOR NOT CONFORMING
Being willing to help someone in need Standing by when neighbor returns from day sail and is docking. Keeping an eye on other boats. Providing security from property theft or vessel sinking. Checking dock lines. Sharing tools. Respect and admiration: but can be resented for butting in Ostracized
Willing to help keep common areas clean Picks up after self and after others. Keeps pets under control. Maintains trash, laundry, head areas. Fulfillment of needs of cooperative society Loss of status within the community
Simplicity Lowered consumption based on need and space availability. Sense of satisfaction Dissatisfaction with lifestyle
Sharing Information By using the "Hey, I found a great way to . . ." approach; usually involves inventiveness or discovery of how to adapt a land-based idea/method to boat life. Info on where to buy things and who to deal with. Companionship, Fellowship, Knowledge Suspicion
Cooperation in problem solving Since all share similar problems, knowledge is shared as are stories of past mistakes. Good reputation Bad reputation
Respect privacy of others Obeys "Unwritten Rules" and clues. Insider status Outsider status
Honesty Pomposity doesn't make it. Stories not of great things but of mistakes. Trust Distrust
Competence Expressed in sailing and repair skills and in judgement. Okay to be unskilled if trying to learn. Status OK to be unskilled if trying to learn
Use of proper terminology Inside of boat = down below; on top of boat = on deck; kitchen = galley; bed = berth; toilet = head Considered insider Not quite an insider
Pride in Vessel & Seamanship Skills Keeping vessel clean. Taking navigation courses. Sense of achievement Loss of status within community
Knowledge of radio protocol Uses proper radio etiquette. Ready in an emergency Dangerous to self and others
Being prepared No sin to have problems, sin not to be prepared for them. Simple spare parts, water and fuel are kept on board; problems are anticipated before they happen and fixed if possible. Status Loss of status
Sense of self-sufficiency Fixing and diagnosing problems and developing a skill set that a land-sider would never need. Sense of accomplishment Frustration
Ecological Awareness Use less plastic. Use biodegradable products. Dispose of waste properly. Sense of connectedness Bad reputation



from LIVING ABOARD: AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE IN THE BAY AREA

by Sally Andrew