When Studying and Comparing Different Cultures, One of the Main

question 79

Essay

When studying and comparing different cultures, one of the main things that stands out about U.S. culture is our relative lack of traditional norms and obligations. Most Americans are free to decide what to do with their own lives--rather than having life paths laid out for them by class, gender, and familial roles--and they have few formal obligations toward family members. Discuss how these cultural characteristics manifest in the cultural dimensions of uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and individualism/collectivism.

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Definitions:

Big Five Factors

A theory that describes human personality as comprised of five broad dimensions: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Personality Inventory

A survey or structured tool aimed at uncovering facets of a person's personality or mental characteristics.

Psychologists

Professionals trained in the study of the mind and behavior, conducting research and providing assessments and therapy to help improve mental health and cognitive functions.

Standing

The condition or designation of being upright on the feet, or a position of status, reputation, or legal ability to initiate or sustain a legal action.