EconTalk Michele Gelfand on Rule Makers, Rule Breakers
Oct 28, 2019
Michele Gelfand is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, known for her work on cultural norms and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers." She discusses the fascinating distinction between tight and loose cultures and how they shape behavior and societal interactions. Gelfand explores the challenges of finding balance between order and freedom, especially in parenting and corporate mergers. She emphasizes the importance of cultural intelligence in navigating these dynamics and the impact of perceived threats on societal rules.
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Tight vs. Loose Cultures
- Cultures with stricter norms, or tight cultures, tend to have more order and self-control.
- Conversely, looser cultures, with weaker norms, foster creativity and openness but may struggle with order.
The Order-Openness Trade-off
- Over time, American culture has become looser, increasing creativity and openness but decreasing order.
- This reflects a trade-off between order and openness observed across cultures and time periods.
Economic Ambidexterity
- Free market economies, while loose and adaptable, require some "tightness" like rule of law and property rights to thrive.
- This balance of tight and loose is essential for economic success.
