Social Dimensions

Question 1

What is cultural syndrome?

Answer 1

How societies are described, defined, characterised and differentiated

Question 2

What is social organisation?

Answer 2

A conceptual framework guiding thought and action, a set of rules dictating how to lie

Question 3

What is societal pressure?

Answer 3

Environmental pressure to act accordingly

Question 4

In 1991 who proposed the Onion model of culture?

Answer 4

Hofstede

Question 5

What are the 6 Dimensions of Horfstede’s Cultural Dimensions theory??

Answer 5

1. Power Distance
2. Uncertainty Avoidance
3. Masculinity
4. Temporal Orientation
5. Indulgence (vs. Restraint)
6. Individualism (vs. Collectivism)

Question 6

What is the cultural dimensions theory?

Answer 6

It is a framework to assess and differentiate cultures and it says cultures (and therefore people) differ on 6 dimensions of values

Question 7

Explain the Power Distance dimension

Answer 7

Is there equality vs. inequality in power distribution. Do people value and respect authority? It is low in Democracy (UK) and high in Autocracy (Iran)

Question 8

Explain the Uncertainty Avoidance dimension

Answer 8

Is there a tolerance for uncertainty or ambiguity? High tolerant countries are emotional, take small steps and have many rules. Low tolerant countries accept unstructured, have changeable environments and few rules.

Question 9

Explain the Masculinity dimension

Answer 9

Are there strong gender rules in a society? Countries with high masculinity are competitive, assertive, ambitious, power-hungry and materialistic. Countries with low masculinity value social relations, quality of life, caring and sharing and modesty.

Question 10

Explain the Temporal Orientation dimension

Answer 10

Countries operations on the ‘time-horizon’ they focus on long vs. short-term. Countries with High temporal orientation focus on past and present, traditional values, ‘saving face’, loyalty and social obligation. Countries with low temporal orientation focus on the future, saving, and persistent adaptation.

Question 11

Explain the Indulgence dimension

Answer 11

Countries who prefer to indulge rather than show restraint. High indulgence leads to hedonistic countries that view pleasure as good. Low indulgence (or high restraint) leads to ascetic countries that view pleasure as a sin.

Question 12

Explain the Individualism dimension

Answer 12

How integrated with a group are individuals of that country? High individualism leads to personal achievements, fighting for goals and rights, high privacy and freedom to stand out from the crowd. Low individualism leads to high collectivism, focus on group goals, loyalty to family, social harmony and community cohesions. You are one cog in a large machine.

Question 13

Whoa re the 2 main theorists of Individualism vs. collectivism?

Answer 13

Hofstede and Triandis

Question 14

How do we define and measure Individualism vs. collectivism?

Answer 14

Hofstede: study cultural consequences
Triandis: Measure collectivism horizontally search for communal living such as the Kibbutz tribe, democracies. Measure individualism vertically search for patriarchy, fascism and authoritarianism societies.

Question 15

Is the Individualism dimension really bipolar?

Answer 15

Research explains how there is an adaptation of behaviour in different contexts such s work, home, friends and sports teams etc.

Psychologists include: Oyserman, Shulruf, Hofstede and Singelis

Question 16

What did Sivadas et al. and Brwer and Chen all say?

Answer 16

They explained various measures for individualism and collectivism and they provided criticisms.

These can include: Triadis scale and Singelis Scale

Question 17

Explain social cognitive differences

Answer 17

Each culture embraces a specific conceptual framework of beliefs