Power Distance

Brazil has a Power Distance of about 70 and the US has a Power Distance of about 40. In Brazil we can expect that stricter obediance is found across all levels of society. The accept that power is distributed somewhat unequally. Here in the U.S. there is much less power distance, so lower level emplyees tend to follow orders as a matter of procedure.

Masculinity

Brazil's Masculinity: 49

United States' Masculinity: 62

Masculine traits include assertiveness, materialism/material success, self-centeredness, power, strength and individual achievements. According to number Hofstede's scale of Masculinity, these two cultures share very different values. 

Long-Term Orientation

On the other hand, Brazil has a much higher long-term orientation than the U.S. Brazil scores a 65 in LTO, while the U.S. scores a 29. For the United States this means that we are distinctively below the world LTO average of 45. This probably indicates that our society tends to focus on short-term goals and our obligation to meet objectives. Typically, short-term orientation aligns with a respect for tradition and fulfilling social obligations (such as voting). Brazil's score of 65 indicates that Brazil stresses perseverence.

Individualism according to Hofstede

The United States has a much higher sense of Individualism than Brazil. Brazil only scores a 38 on individualism while the U.S. scores a 91. This is the largest difference gap between the U.S. and Brazil. This is due to the Latin tendency to be a more Collectivist society. Brazilians have a long-term commitment to their family groups (extended family and relationships). Most Brazilians live at home with their parents until marriage, then even once married tend to stay within the same neighborhood to remain close to the family. The United States on the other hand has rather loose bonds with others and maintains a higher individualistic attitude. I believe there is more of a fight for power within the U.S. that creates a sense of "every man for himself". Typically, U.S. citizens tend to look out for themselves and only close relatives. We are a much more self-reliant culture than Latino countries.

Hofstede's Dimensions

PDI-Power Distance Index IDV-Individualism MAS-Masculinity LTO-Long-Term Orientation UAI - Uncertainty Avoidance Index Brazil has a much higher rate of UAI than the United States. The citizens of the U.S. are known to be risk takers. We do not tend to avoid situations just because they are uncertain about them. We do often times weigh the pros and cons to be more certain, but we have also been known to just jump into things without much thought. In Brazil, their culture is less risky. They are more cautious of things that they are not certain about. They will take some risks, but they are more careful about the risks they take. They are more likely to avoid situations that might not end up like they think they will. They are more likely to look at all the possible outcomes before making a decision.

Porverb

He who knows nothing, doubts nothing. 

SOURCE: http://creativeproverbs.com/br01.htm 

Crafty Women

Women in Brazil tend to work from home. Less than 50% of Brazilian women hold jobs outside of the home. If they bring in any income for the home unit, women will create crafts from home to sell in markets or to sell straight from their home.

www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Brazil.html

Cristo Redentor

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.conteaqui.com.br/images/nova_maravilha_cristo_redentor.jpg

Police Cartoon

I found this photo when searching Brazil. It came up because of the corrupt ways that the police deal with the citizens of Brazil. It is obviously a problem over there and people know it so much that they make cartoons out of how horrible their law enforcement is.

Braizilan Proverb

I found this Portuguese proverb: Curta que a vida é curta. It means: Enjoy every moment because life is short. http://www.sonia-portuguese.com/text/proverbs.htm

Brazil's National Sport

Soccer (Futbol) is the most popular sport in Brazil. I think that it shows alot about their culture because everyone is so passionate about it. Brazil has won the World Cup a record 5 times, more than any other nation in the world. Every year millions of Brazilians show immense amounts of pride in their nation during the soccer season. They dress up in head to toe yellow and green to show their loyalty to their country. I think the loyalty that Brazilian soccer fans show to their team is an excellent portrayal of the Brazilian culture. Pictures from: http://www.fifa.com/futsalworldcup/teams/team=1883200/photolist.html#918372 http://www.fifa.com/futsalworldcup/teams/team=1883200/photolist.html#898011