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Belgium Cultural Analysis

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If we look at the research findings regarding Belgium’s cultural analysis we realize there isn’t one National culture. There are major distinctions between the two main communities in the country. For that reason it is hard to categorize Belgium’s national culture as a whole. For instance, GLOBE analysis categorizes and group countries in clusters that share similar values and culture aspect to a certain extend, but Belgium position isn’t clear. Sometimes put in the Germanic Cluster with a BelLux subdivision - 1-Sometimes put in the general Germanic cluster - 2- or even in the Latin Europe cluster -3-
A look at Belgium’s history is necessary to understand this situation. Indeed, Belgium is at a crossroad between two cultures, the French (Latin) …show more content…
Indeed, before the Romans conquered the region in 57 BC, Belgium was populated by the “Belgae”, one of the various Celtic tribes of Gaul. Romans, conducted by Julius Caesar, exterminated Celtic groups to extend the power of Rome and called their new province “Gallia Belgica” -5-. Belgium has inherited at least part of its civilization from the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire in its days was characterized by the existence of a central authority in Rome, and a system of law applicable to citizens anywhere. This established in its citizens' minds the value complex, which are still recognizing today: centralization fostered large power distance and a stress on laws fostered strong uncertainty avoidance. -7- An example that illustrates well the power distance in Belgium is the Royal Family. Indeed, Flemish people and French people score different in that dimension-22-. French Belgium is of a higher power distance than Dutch Belgium and it is reflecting in the way each of these two communities view the Royal Family. While the Flemish who score lower on this dimension are not attached to the royal family the Walloon are still very attached to them and identify their national culture thank to them. Another example would be the different status that defines the workforce. ‘Employees’ whose jobs are more intellectual task related benefit from more social and work rights than the “workers” …show more content…
- Appendix 2-. -Appendix 5- In addition to it, Capitalism has deeply influenced this individualism dimension. Indeed, the Industrial revolution on the European continent began in Belgium. – 10- Individualism as an ideology arose with the beginnings of capitalism. It implies the idea that each person is unique and should be free to do as he wishes.-11- One example that illustrates well this dimension is maybe the fact that children take care of self as soon as possible and leave the house as soon as possible as well. Also, identity is most commonly based on individuals. The “I” mentality and right private life is very important. Public spaces are to remain neutral from people believes, religion, philosophy or political affiliations.

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