We learn and update our cultural codes throughout our entire life. Along with language, we learn how our bodies communicate, and - early in our lives, we begin to make sense of social relations through attire, we teach and learn what “appropriate" means: we dress for the weather and for socialization. Our expectations about someone's appearance may say more about ourselves than about that individual. The challenge lies in be(com)ing aware of our own values and assumptions. Our deeply ingrained value settings kick in every time we (un)consciously connect to others through dress codes. Failing to decode implicit values may be perceived as “cultural illiteracy”. Appearance, including attire, often sets directions in our relational orientation.

“Parental involvement (PI) can vary across cultures, and when immigrant parents move to a new country, their PI perspectives may differ from those of local teachers. My research aims to address the problem of teachers’ lack of awareness regarding different PI perspectives and its impact on the partnership between teachers and immigrant parents in educating elementary school-aged children."