Tight cultures emphasize order and conformity, while loose cultures promote creativity and adaptability.
Threat levels influence cultural tightness, with strict norms arising in response to significant challenges.
Deep dives
Understanding Tight and Loose Cultures
The discussion delves into the concept of tight and loose cultures. Tight cultures, characterized by strict social norms, exhibit more order, less crime, and better self-control. In contrast, loose cultures, with more permissive norms, are associated with openness, creativity, and adaptability. The balance between order and openness impacts behavior, with tight cultures emphasizing uniformity and self-regulation, while loose cultures prioritize tolerance and creativity.
Impact of Threat on Cultural Evolution
The evolution of tight and loose cultures is influenced by chronic threat experiences. Cultures facing significant threats tend to develop strict norms for survival and coordination, leading to tighter social structures. In contrast, cultures with fewer threats adopt looser norms, promoting flexibility and tolerance. This correlation between threat levels and cultural tightness underscores the adaptive nature of cultural norms in response to external challenges.
Addressing Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
The podcast highlights the implications of tight and loose cultures for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Research suggests that marginalized groups often face stricter evaluations in tight cultures, reflecting biases and constraints in accountability. Understanding the cultural context and dimensions of diversity, such as social class, is crucial for creating inclusive environments. Initiatives to recognize and accommodate diverse cultural norms can enhance equity and foster a more inclusive society.
Why do we drive on only one side of the road? Why don’t we sing in libraries? Why wear a swimsuit?
For Professor Michele Gelfand, it all comes down to culture. As a cross-cultural psychologist, Gelfand is fascinated by social environments and their effects on human behavior, particularly, how strictly people adhere to social norms.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gelfand joins host and lecturer of strategic communications Matt Abrahams to explain why some cultures are “tight” and “have strict social norms,” while others are “loose,” with “more permissibility of behavior.”