Western or eastern culture ?

WESTERN OR EASTERN CULTURE?

Indicate if each aspect of culture below is either W= WESTERN/ INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURE or E= EASTERN/ COLLECTIVISM CULTURE based on the lesson. (24 MARKS)

Status of leaders:

E the leader assumes supreme status. They have a great bearing on the general public. This comes from the fact that in this culture a technically greater man is often elevated to God-like status irrespective of his worth.

W While in this culture, the concept of equality is taken more seriously, and a leader is chosen by the people. They are not looked at as god-like but rather as someone who makes decisions and laws to benefit the people.

 Relationships:

W The relationships are family centric. Couples for example need to pass through family approvals before taking the step towards something as personal and important as marriage. This is also one of the reasons why arranged marriages are still very much pertinent in these societies.

E The self is given preference over family and hence decisions on priority and relevance of relationships are of the individual.

Travelling or Vacations:

W Taking time out for travelling as an indispensable part of their lives. Vacations are days that are looked forward to in that part of the world.

E The luxury of taking one depends very much on the workplace approvals, nature of the individuals and mindset of the society. Often it is years before a long break is taken by people in these countries.

 Individual worth:

W The individual is given more worth, major decisions are always made by the person.

E The community and the family tops the list of importance. As the importance given to family forms a support system always available in times of need. However, the vital decisions of one’s life are often forced on an individual by the family or community.

Spirituality:

E Religion is given high importance. The importance of religion can be gauged by the events related to religion that still stir societies in this part of the world. To this day there are riots and killings in the name of faith.

W Although religion is important to some, acceptance and tolerance of other religions is common.

Independence:

W Moving out of a parent’s house is very common as a young adult.

E No individual can be truly independent where the bond with the family precedes anything related to the self. Something as basic as children moving out of the parents’ house after a certain age is seen as blasphemous.

Status of female:

E Women are still regarded as those who would sacrifice professional life and career in favour of rearing children  and taking care of the family. Rights to decide and make own decisions are often fought for and not as often granted.

W A female is free to decide her priorities and something as basic as when to marry or even bear children.

Forthrightness:

W Known for its openness and socialization, it is acceptable to talk openly about topics, including sex, religion and politics

E Discussing something as basic and important as childbirth or sex is still a taboo. The lack of openness and much more conservative in their views and beliefs and conversations

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