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Power Distance Essay

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Power Distance: El Salvador 66 / United States 40

This contrast indicates that the Salvadorians believe that there is a vast difference between who is in control of their destiny, i.e., (the Government) as opposed to the American belief that we are all part of a collective system. We as Americans fundamentally believe and understand that we have a voice in both what the Government and society as a whole should be. The Salvadorian people have lived in, and understand that inequality is a matter of fact.

Individualism: El Salvador 19 / United States 91

In this category the Salvadorian people are more family, or group oriented. Their tendency will be to gravitate towards groups, clans, gangs, etc. Loyalty to these units provides protection from outsiders and a means towards success or longevity. This is due in fact that there is not equality in their Power Distance or hierarchical status. Americans on the other hand believe that we are all created equal, and we do have a say in our situation. We tend to concern ourselves with our immediate families rather than collect in groups for protection because we understand that as a whole we are not in jeopardy from a Governmental system. Americans …show more content…
My assumption was to find a higher masculinity score for this region; however, looking at the surrounding Countries of Honduras and Guatemala I found similar scores. Thus concluding that this comparison fell suit with each of these Countries exhibiting higher tendencies towards Collectivism. It was apparent, in contrast that Americans, with a greater draw towards Individualism have a higher rate of Masculinity. This is not in the form so much of being a “Manly Man”, but more in the form of competition and being the “best” at what we do. In a very simple analogy, we as Americans are not as “beat down” by the Government as the

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