> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.fariaedu.com/psychology-teacher-articles/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.fariaedu.com/psychology-teacher-articles/sociocultural-approach-1/cultural-influences/10-minutes-with-geert-hofstede.md).

# 10 minutes with Geert Hofstede

![](https://646422242-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MLJLpMyD0FeX59WY_20%2F-MP5E69AoDYvR4LosV_y%2F-MP5FJLepcUgikxss8le%2Fshutterstock_608491607-1080x675.webp?alt=media\&token=9d6aae63-0a16-4dff-ad58-a681a842c1bf)

### Geert Hofstede pioneered modern research on cultural dimensions in the 1960s and 1970s.

In this series of 10-minute presentations, Hofstede explains each of the dimensions and the values and attitudes they encompass:

#### :cinema: [Power Distance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqAJclwfyCw)

The extent to which people in societies value, or do not value, a [hierarchical order](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqAJclwfyCw) in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification.

#### :cinema:[Individualism versus Collectivism](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQj1VPNPHlI)

The extent to which people value a [loosely- or tightly-knit social framework](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQj1VPNPHlI). In the former, individuals are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate families. In a tightly-knit framework, individuals can expect their relatives or members of a particular ingroup to look after them in exchange for loyalty.

#### :cinema:[‘Masculinity’ versus ‘Femininity’](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyr-XKQG2CM)

The extent to which a society is [competitive (‘masculine’) or cooperative (‘feminine’)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyr-XKQG2CM).

#### :cinema:[Uncertainty versus Avoidance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZF6LyGne7Q)

The extent to which the members of a society feel uncomfortable with [uncertainty and ambiguity](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZF6LyGne7Q). The fundamental issue here is how a society deals with the unknown future. A society high in uncertainty avoidance tries to control people’s behaviour through rigid codes of belief. It is also intolerant of unconventional ideas.

#### :cinema:[Long-Term versus Short-Term Orientation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ygYIGsIQ4\&t=3s)

The extent to which a culture [values the long term over the short term](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ygYIGsIQ4\&t=3s). This dimension is also referred to as Confucian Dynamism. Long-term cultures value traditions, the need to save and invest for the future and to persevere to achieve results. Societies with a short-term orientation do not show great respect for traditions and focus on achieving quick results.

#### :cinema:[Indulgence versus Restraint](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0YgGdzmFtA\&t=14s)

This is a final dimension that was added in 2010. It expresses the attitude of a culture to the [gratification of natural human drives](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0YgGdzmFtA\&t=14s) related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that suppresses gratification of needs and regulates drives by means of strict social norms.