Discovering the 7 Cultural Traits That Shape Society

In today’s globalized world, culture plays a significant role in shaping societies. Societies are formed by groups of individuals who share common beliefs, values, and customs. These shared traits define the way people interact with one another, their outlook on life, and their overall worldview. Understanding the cultural traits that shape societies can offer valuable insights into the various nuances of cultural practices worldwide. In this article, we’ll delve into the 7 cultural traits that shape society, providing examples and insights along the way.

1. Power Distance
Power distance refers to the level of inequality that exists in societies. In high power distance societies, people accept unequal power distributions, and there is a clear hierarchy between those in power and those without it. In contrast, low power distance societies emphasize equality and reject the notion of an unequal distribution of power. An example of a high power distance society would be China, whereas in the US, there is a relatively lower power distance.

2. Uncertainty Avoidance
Uncertainty avoidance refers to how comfortable people are with uncertainty and ambiguity. In low uncertainty avoidance societies, individuals are more accepting of risk-taking, and there is less reliance on established protocols and procedures. In high uncertainty avoidance societies, individuals seek predictability and structure and tend to shun risks. Japan is an example of a high uncertainty avoidance society, while in the Netherlands, there is relatively low uncertainty avoidance.

3. Individualism vs. Collectivism
Individualism versus collectivism refers to the degree to which society emphasizes the individual versus the group. In individualistic societies, the emphasis is on personal achievement, autonomy, and independence. In collectivist societies, people prioritize the needs of the group over individual needs. The United States is an example of an individualistic society, while in Japan, there is an emphasis on collectivism.

4. Masculinity vs. Femininity
Masculinity versus femininity refers to the degree to which social structures emphasize traditional male or female roles. In masculine societies, men are expected to be assertive, competitive, and dominant. In contrast, feminine societies emphasize equality, collaboration, and compromise. Japan is a relatively masculine society, while Sweden is a more feminine one.

5. High Context vs. Low Context
High context versus low context refers to how much meaning is determined by context versus explicit communication. In high context cultures, much meaning is embedded in relationships and the environment, and people rely more on nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone. In low context cultures, meaning is mostly conveyed explicitly, and people tend to rely more on verbal communication. Japan is an example of a high context society, while in the US, there is a relatively low context culture.

6. Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation
Long-term orientation versus short-term orientation refers to a society’s time horizon. Societies that have a long-term orientation tend to prioritize long-term goals and weigh the consequences of their actions more carefully. In contrast, short-term orientation societies emphasize short-term gains and focus less on long-term planning. China has a long-term orientation, while the UK has a relatively short-term orientation.

7. Indulgence vs. Restraint
Indulgence versus restraint refers to the degree to which people regulate or indulge their impulses and desires. In indulgent societies, people are more likely to indulge their desires for leisure, fun, and enjoyment. In contrast, people in restraint societies tend to regulate their impulses more tightly, focusing instead on fulfilling their duties and maintaining social norms. Western countries are generally indulgent, while countries such as Japan are more restrained.

In conclusion, there are seven cultural traits that shape society, and a greater understanding of these cultural traits can enhance intercultural communication and awareness. Power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, high context, long-term orientation, and indulgence are all significant factors in shaping our societies. By recognizing and appreciating these traits, we can develop better relationships with those from different cultural backgrounds.