Members of which culture prize harmony among members of their “in-group” and are less frank about expressing negative emotions toward outsiders?
(A) Individualistic
B) Collectivistic
(C) High power distance
(D) Low power distance
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) Collectivistic.
In collectivistic cultures, the focus is placed on the well-being and harmony of the group, which includes family, community, or other in-group affiliations. People in these cultures tend to value interdependence and cooperative relationships, often prioritizing the needs and desires of the group over individual desires. Because of this, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining harmonious relationships, especially within the in-group.
When it comes to expressing emotions, collectivistic cultures generally encourage restraint and indirectness, particularly when dealing with outsiders. This is because overt expressions of negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, can be seen as disruptive and dishonorable to the group’s cohesion. Therefore, individuals from collectivistic societies may avoid expressing criticism or negative emotions openly, especially in public or toward those who are outside their immediate social circle.
This is in contrast to individualistic cultures, where independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of personal goals are prioritized. In individualistic societies, people are more likely to be direct and transparent about their emotions and opinions, even if it may cause discomfort or conflict. Individualistic cultures encourage individuals to voice their concerns or dissatisfaction, as the focus is often on personal achievement and rights.
In summary, collectivistic cultures prize group harmony and often avoid direct confrontation or negative emotional expressions, especially with people outside their inner circle, to maintain group cohesion and avoid disrupting social relationships. This cultural approach contrasts sharply with the more individual-focused, direct communication found in individualistic cultures.