Individual Cultural Background and Introduction of Interviewee
A number of individual characteristics define the Hispanic culture. Born of Hispanic cultural background in the Dominican Republic, one of the most dominant upheld characteristics in my family is language. Exposure to the popular culture in the West contributes little towards changing the value placed on mastering the Spanish language in my family: language is associated with remaining true to one’s culture. Many Hispanic families, thus, pass down cultural heritage to their children by teaching them Spanish. Other cultural traits that are passed down to children among Hispanics are religion, family values, and food. Like many other people of Hispanic cultural background, my family upholds Christianity as a religion. Family, moreover, is highly valued: close-knit and large. Particularly, grandparents greatly contribute to the upbringing of their grandchildren: thus, contact is never lost. Common foods in our diet, on the other hand, are grains such as bread, rice, tortillas, and tacos; beans including pinto, red, and black beans; among others. Currently, most of our clothing is largely influenced by American culture in general. Nonetheless, consideration is always still given to colorful clothing, as is the case with traditional Hispanics.
The Interviewee is from the Sotho culture in South Africa, identified through a friend with whom they interacted during a cultural exchange program at school. Currently 23 years old and in College, the interviewee lives with his family in Gauteng. According to the interviewee, the Sotho place a huge emphasis on large families (Jabulani, 2019). Particularly, polygamy is encouraged among the traditional Sotho, and many of the elderly have several wives. Families are structured in such a way that respect for the elderly (in particular males) is significantly emphasized. Women, on the other hand, are trained to perform motherly and wifely responsibilities. While traditional Sotho believed in different gods, moreover, currently most have embraced Christianity (Jabulani, 2019). A distinguishing element among the Sotho in dressing, additionally, is a trademark colorful blanket, often preferred instead of coats or jackets. The Sotho are further appreciated for traditional activities like weaving, sewing, and beadwork. The Sotho, furthermore, speak the Sotho language, that is further recognized as an official language in South Africa. Their foods further comprise of mostly maize meals and natural milk. Growing up in South Africa, moreover, the interviewee indicates that one of the most significant points of success is stepping out of the country. Consequently, education is highly valued (Jabulani, 2019).
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Similarities and Differences between Individual Culture and Interviewee’s Culture
Similarities exist between Sotho and Hispanic cultures based on the conducted interview and individual cultural background. Notably, both have largely embraced Christianity as a religion. As noted above, ‘my family upholds Christianity as a religion.’ On the other hand, most of the Sotho have currently embraced Christianity. Moreover, it is notable that family is largely valued in both cases, although differently. Value for the family among Hispanics is on keeping the extended (Grandparents, cousins, and uncles) family closer. The Sotho, however, seek to extend their families through polygamy. Nonetheless, both are large. Furthermore, color plays an important factor in dressing. Hispanics prefer colorful clothing, and the Sotho have a traditional colorful blanket that distinguishes them. Family values are also upheld in both cultures.
In spite of the above similarities, differences also exist between the Sotho and Hispanic cultures. First, the Sotho significantly emphasize polygamy, an element that is lacking among Hispanics. Also, while the Sotho speak Sotho, Hispanics speak Spanish. Foods among the two cultures also significantly differ, in that while Hispanics mainly eat grains such as tacos and beans, the main meal among Sotho’s comprises of maize meals and natural milk.
Cultural Dimensions Using Hofstede’s Framework
Using Hofstede’s cultural framework, a comparison of cultural dimensions reveals that in power distance, the Dominican Republic ranks higher at 65 compared to South Africa at 49. On the other hand, the Dominican Republic ranks lower than South Africa in individualism at 30 compared to 65. In masculinity, the two are closely competing at 65 for the Dominican Republic and 63 for South Africa. In uncertainty avoidance, further, South Africa ranks higher at 49 compared to the Dominican Republic at 45. Long term orientation, however, has South Africa at 34 and the Dominican Republic at 13. Finally, South Africa ranks at 63 in indulgence compared to the Dominican Republic’s 54 (Hofstede Insights, 2019).
The score of 65 and 49 on power distance above indicates that to a large extent, both societies accept the hierarchical order in their culture. This fact could be evidenced in the family structures that emphasize respect for elders in both cases. The huge difference between the two could be contributed to by the greater inequalities in the Sotho culture. In particular, gender imbalance is likely to exist in a society that reserves leadership roles strictly for men, training women to be only mothers and wives. A score of 49 indicates the possibilities of striving to equalize the distribution of power in this case. Other than this, another huge difference exists in the rating for individualism dimension. At 30:65, the Dominican Republic ranking lower in this case indicates high levels of collectivism compared to South Africa’s individualism. From the interview above, it is evident that collectivism among Hispanics is likely to be nurtured by the close-knit families that foster strong relationships and caring for each other. Embracing polygamy among the Sotho’s, on the other hand, is likely to encourage individualism, as mothers seek to care for their immediate family members only, encouraging a loosely-knit framework. Other significant differences are evident in long term orientation and indulgence dynamics. In long term orientation, the Dominican Republic ranks lower signifying a higher tendency to stick to traditions. From the interview, the same is evident with the insistence on teaching the Spanish language to children in order to preserve heritage. In indulgence, on the other hand, South Africa is rated as highly indulgent, while the Dominican Republic ranks intermediate on the same. The difference could be contributed to by the higher tendency of Sotho’s to rank success based on the ability to move to other countries, thus interact more.
Finally, little difference is notable in masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. Both score highly in masculinity indicating motivation by competition, success, and achievement other than not standing out from others- This could explain the motivation by the Sotho community to excel academically and move abroad. Both also rank low in uncertainty avoidance indicating a high likelihood to accept change and keep a relaxed attitude where practice is valued (Hofstede Insights, 2019). The Sotho, for instance, exhibit a low likelihood to embrace change based on adherence to cultural practices.
Recommendations for Handling Cultural Differences
In handing cultural differences between the two groups, acknowledging of similar traits is essential. In this case, both groups highly value competition thus giving opportunities for group rewards, for instance, will help develop team-work. Acknowledging differences in individualism vs. collectivism is further essential. For instance, in developing interpersonal relations, a Sotho may not appreciate questions about how certain family members are doing due to their individualistic nature. Power attitudes further have to be recognized. While hierarchy is essential for both groups, the Sotho are likely to be keener on gender and power distribution.
References
Hofstede Insights. (2019). Country Comparison - Hofstede Insights. Retrieved from https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/the-dominican-republic,south-africa/
Jabulani, T. (2019, January 15). Phone Interview.
