In Great Britain (GB), there is no such thing as a typical Briton, conforming to a stereotype. We can be shy and pompous, friendly and stuffy, brave and cowardly, courteous and mean, disciplined and unambitious, inhibited and decadent. We are full of many contradictions that can make us very difficult for foreigners to understand. Even living in different parts of GB can mean numerous character differences, for example, noticeable differences between northerners and southerners.
What do you think of modeling an entire culture on just four traits?
My first thought was this is an impossible feat for GB! However, I understand the need for Hofstede’s (1984) model as it is easier to analyze data in such a way, and although I do generally agree …show more content…
It is not rooted to money, as one might expect, rather it is about one’s birthright. Therefore, new money types may be baffled as to why their money does not gain them access to exclusive clubs or make them able to purchase the best properties. Most of us pretend that we are of a better class than we really are, except perhaps our politicians! They would probably prefer to ride around town on a bicycle, than to be seen in a Mercedes, so as to play down their entitled …show more content…
Even though we generally trust no one outside of our inner circle, we are fine at dealing with strangers. We are also not afraid to try new products, although I would say that our older generation would prefer to stick to what they already know, for fear of disappointment or wasting money.
Masculinity
I am not surprised to see us rank 41-42 in masculinity, especially considering our class system and love of expensive things (at bargain prices, I might add!) However, it is considered crass to throw wealth, status, or power in others’ faces; there are subtle ways of doing this. However, in the new era of ‘celebrity envy’, I doubt youngsters would agree while they are longing for the latest handbag or fast car.
We do still value gender-specific rules, although less so in the work environment nowadays perhaps, especially as British women are climbing the corporate ladder, so many mothers are working full time, and unequal pay between men and women is so often in the news. Furthermore, male nurses are not very common still, but as with flight attendants, I believe this is starting to change.
Are there aspects of the culture that are not covered by these
What do you think of modeling an entire culture on just four traits?
My first thought was this is an impossible feat for GB! However, I understand the need for Hofstede’s (1984) model as it is easier to analyze data in such a way, and although I do generally agree …show more content…
It is not rooted to money, as one might expect, rather it is about one’s birthright. Therefore, new money types may be baffled as to why their money does not gain them access to exclusive clubs or make them able to purchase the best properties. Most of us pretend that we are of a better class than we really are, except perhaps our politicians! They would probably prefer to ride around town on a bicycle, than to be seen in a Mercedes, so as to play down their entitled …show more content…
Even though we generally trust no one outside of our inner circle, we are fine at dealing with strangers. We are also not afraid to try new products, although I would say that our older generation would prefer to stick to what they already know, for fear of disappointment or wasting money.
Masculinity
I am not surprised to see us rank 41-42 in masculinity, especially considering our class system and love of expensive things (at bargain prices, I might add!) However, it is considered crass to throw wealth, status, or power in others’ faces; there are subtle ways of doing this. However, in the new era of ‘celebrity envy’, I doubt youngsters would agree while they are longing for the latest handbag or fast car.
We do still value gender-specific rules, although less so in the work environment nowadays perhaps, especially as British women are climbing the corporate ladder, so many mothers are working full time, and unequal pay between men and women is so often in the news. Furthermore, male nurses are not very common still, but as with flight attendants, I believe this is starting to change.
Are there aspects of the culture that are not covered by these