Much of the current debate is centred around the etic-emic distinction. The etic (or imposed
etic) approach demands a descriptive system which is equally valid for all cultures and
which permits the representation of similarities as well as differences between individual
cultures. Comparisons serve not to explain the phenomenon of culture, but rather to examine
susceptibility to cultural influences in individual actions and thinking. Culture is viewed as a
factor of influence which should be able to explain differences in cognition, learning and
behaviour. The emic approach, on the other hand, defines ‘culture’ not as an external factor
the effects of which on the individual must be examined, but rather as an integral part of
human behaviour