Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about stereotypes: how they can be harmful and ways in which you can use them wisely to aid cross-cultural understanding.
In fact, we use stereotypes a lot in this blog.
One of these stereotypes is the broad term, “Western culture,” which is associated with core values, norms, and beliefs.
But what, exactly, is it?
What is “Western Culture”?
What do you think of when you hear the term, “Western culture”?
You probably think of Europe, the United States, Australia, Canada – the latter three of which are highly influenced by Europe, due to their historical roots.
All of these countries mentioned (and others that fall under the umbrella of “Western culture”) hold a common set of values and norms.
However, as we’ve also highlighted in this blog, values and norms vary widely across the countries that fall under this umbrella.
In the U.K., queues are law; in Italy, it’s every man for himself.
German companies run like well-oiled machines; French companies are like royal courts.
Despite these cultural differences on a country-by-country basis, Western cultures share strong commonalities, due to their historical heritage under the Ancient Greek and Roman Empires, as well as the influence of Judeo-Christian religions.
Moreover, 18th-century Enlightenment in Europe brought forth a rationalist and secular-oriented ideology focused on social and scientific progress.
This drove such democratic values as the separation of church and state, human rights, capitalism, modern technology, and political pluralism.
Western Culture is a Stereotype
Up until now, we never defined “Western culture” in this blog.
Yet, somehow, we all understood what it means.
This is due to the fact that “Western culture” is as much a stereotype as anything else.
The behaviors of someone from “the West” are fixed in our mind, contrasted with how those from an Eastern culture might act or the ideology and values they might live by.
So, while we know there are differences between the values and behaviors of Australians, Europeans, Americans, etc. – and even further, between countries, regions, subcultures, and even individuals in each culture – we still recognize the broad commonalities that exist across all of “the West.”
Use Your Discretion
If I board a plane and am seated between a Swiss person and an American, I would be more inclined to talk to the American.
This is not because I am opposed to the Swiss (I am Swiss); it’s because I want to be courteous.
Americans generally like small talk with strangers in public settings; Swiss generally don’t.
However, some Swiss might actually be prone to small talk, while some Americans will put their earbuds in immediately.
The point is, when it comes to stereotypes, applying them wisely means to use your discretion when approaching each individual.
Test the waters, apply your observational skills, and proceed accordingly.
Stereotypes blanket entire populaces, but they don’t take into account the individuality of people.
So, rather than presuming each person is attached to the stereotypical values, norms, and behaviors of their cultures, tuning in to the individual nature of a person’s preferences, priorities, and behaviors will allow you to avoid misusing stereotypes.
Success Across Cultures 