In several places in this book, examples drawn from specific cultures contribute to the conclusion that natural influence and change is inseparable from culture. Indeed, the separation of the two only occurs in the practice of influence by professionals under the sway of conventions, traditions, and disciplinary specific theories, which are largely derived from experience with Subjects of limited cultural variation. In the history of the professional practice of influence, too many have assumed that their routine professional activity settings and means of influence are of equivalent effect across all Subjects.

In this chapter, there is room only for a sketch of the two major issues in understanding influence and change in the context of cultural patterning. First are the naturally evolved formal activities of influence practiced by indigenous peoples; and second, the professionally evolved activities of influence practiced with accommodations to specific culture(s).