Chapter 4: Cultural origins of behavior and cognition – cultural dimensions Flashcards
Etic view
In the etic approach to studying culture, researchers are not directly involved with the specific culture and are observing its characteristics from the outside. The researchers do not integrate themselves into the culture, and as such do not interact with the people. They intend to find answers to questions regarding the certain culture (and impose universal “laws” for comparison of cultures in doing so), which are largely posed by outsiders. There is one major disadvantage to the etic view, and that is that people of the cultures may not act in accordance with what they usually would as they are being observed.
Emic view
The emic approach attempts at answering questions regarding a certain culture from within the culture; that is, researchers will observe the culture through the lens of the included individuals and look at the culture’s intrinsic values. The emic view is much narrower than the etic, focusing on cultural norms relating to a specific culture, rather than universal laws that are applicable for observation of multiple cultures.
Hofstede (1980 + 1991 + 2011)
Geert Hofstede sent out a questionnaire to his IBM employees from 40 countries, from which he compared the data and found certain trends which he then named dimensions.
Individualism versus collectivism
Different cultures view themselves and others differently. In individualistic societies, it is more opportunity-based, whereas in collectivistic societies, the individual is a part of their group; they are one entity as a culture.
Power distance index (PDI)
How big a difference there is in power in a culture and how acceptable individuals are of the distribution/inequality of power distribution. Higher PDI=higher levels of acceptance.
Masculinity versus femininity
Whether a culture is defined by feminine or masculine characteristics.
Uncertainty avoidance index
The extent to which a culture is comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. Societies with high ratings dislike unconventional ideas and avoid risk.
Long-term versus short-term orientation
A low score means that a culture tends to honor traditions and norms while disliking any social change.
Indulgence versus restraint
The extent to which a culture allows and accepts personal indulgence.
Triandis (2001)
Points out that individualistic and collectivist cultures are unique; that no individualist culture is the same as another individualist culture. Identified four categories of individualism versus collectivism:
- Horizontal individualism: members are unique and mostly of the same status.
- Vertical individualism: members are unique, but a social hierarchy of status is possible.
- Horizontal collectivism: members merge themselves with the ingroup and have, mostly, the same status.
- Vertical collectivism: members merge with the ingroup and submit themselves to an authority.
Meeuwesen, van den Brink-Muinen and Hofstede (2009)
Found that a strong PDI was related to strong scores on collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and less wealth (GDP).
Berry & Katz
A: See if degree of individualism impacts behaviour (in this case conformity)
M: Cross-cultural study on individualism vs collectivism including Scottish, Tenme and Innuit. Used Asch Conformity test.
P: Asch paradigm to see who would conform from Tenme and Innuits. Hypothesis that innuits conform less than the collectivist Tenme who relies on tight social relations and unity for learning.
R: Tenme conformed more than innuits
C: Difference due to different degrees of conmformity required by environment
Kemmelmeier, Jambor and Letner
Investigated the relationship between individualism and voluntary, prosocial behaviour. Argue that there is no religious tie to voluntary behaviour as giving in religious situations is often not a matter of personal choice, but social obligation. Called a bunch of people in different states
O-C-E-A-N Model by Macrae and John
Openness Conscientiousness Extroversion Agreeablitiy Neuroticism
Schwartz basic values
Opennes to change
- Self-direction
- Stimulation
Self-enhancement
- Hedonism
- Achievement
- Power
Conservation
- Security
- Conformity
- Tradition
Self-transcendance
- Benevolence
- Universalism
