A wide range of intangible aspects of social life collectively constitutes the culture of a particular group of people or society. Culture comprises the values, beliefs, attitudes, notions, and practices that are common to a specific group of people. These aspects of culture describe the social structure that defines a particular society. Culture also constitutes the concepts of the universe, spatial relations, material objects, and notions of time assimilated by a group of people over some time. The cultural differences between the Eastern and Western cultures can be attributed to the different cultural facets that exist in the two cultures. Western culture perceives the world in a more individualistic approach. Individualistic individuals tend to focus on separate components rather than the whole, and conditions are regarded as unchanging. On the other hand, the cultural aspects shape the Eastern culture to have a more collectivistic perception of the world. A holistic thinking pattern is typical in the East. A collectivist mindset ensures that individuals consider each other in the context of interdependence.
Societal norms are the expectations of behavior and thoughts particular to a group of people. The cultural aspects such as values, beliefs, and practices shape societal norms. Collectivism and individualism have a significant influence on behavioral patterns in the East and West, respectively. In an individualistic society, personality shapes the behavior of a person. The emphasis of independence in the West fosters social norms such as self-reliance and autonomy. In a collectivistic culture, the surrounding of an individual has a significant influence on the behavior of an individual. The social norms, therefore, are more likely to promote collectivism and interdependence among the people in a cultural group. Conformity and social support are dominant in a collectivistic culture. Also, the societal norms foster selflessness, and individual needs are considered secondary to societal needs.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
There are several norms created by the individualistic and collective way of thinking in the East and West, respectively. For instance, in the West, norms such as independence, assertiveness, propensity to take risks, a sense of personal efficacy, and motivation to achieve are a standard expectation. In the East, selflessness, conformity, social support, and benevolence are considered to be significant social norms. These norms are mores that enhance the moral views of the respective societies. The norms are primarily the moral principles that govern society to ensure adequate social interaction.
A subculture comprises of a group of people within a broader cultural group who bear their values and beliefs concerning various issues. They, however, maintain some instituting principles of the parent culture. In both individualistic and collectivistic cultures, subcultures emerge. For instance, not all individuals in the collectivistic society conform to all the traditions of the community. Some view some traditions as outdated hence tend to hold a different perspective from the other society members. This leads to the development of a subculture within the broader cultural group.
