Comparative Analysis of Cultural Dimensions in Conflict- A Study of United States and China
The United States and China have engaged each other on the pervasive subject of human rights violations for decades. Political system differences between the two countries are the center of the conflict. China, a communist state, is characterized by state control of individual liberties. On the contrary, the US is a capitalist country where individual rights are welcome, and the state has limited control of individual rights. The conflict between the US and China has been exacerbated by back-to-back reports on human rights violations, with the US accusing China of violating universal human rights standards. One of the US’s focus areas is the allegation that China wrongly holds Muslims in detention camps. China has also responded by publishing regular reports about the US’s human rights violations, including the country’s long racial discrimination history.
I selected China and the US because the two countries represent Western and non-Western cultures, respectively. The US is associated with Western culture due to the history of European influence. Chinese culture, on the other hand, encompasses socialist ideals and culture spanning several years with limited global influence. The selection aligns with the classification of culture based on geographic location (Western and non-Western parts of the world).
China-US Cultural Dimensions Comparison
| United States | China | |
| Collectivism/Individualism | Americans focus on individual autonomy and individual success | The Chinese emphasize collectivism, harmony, and interdependence |
| Masculinity/Femininity | The US scores high on masculinity, which is associated with assertiveness, competitiveness, and materialistic success. | The Chinese are equally masculine and emphasize ambition and individual success. |
| Power Distance | Low power distance. Power is decentralized, and there is limited dependence on authority. | Chinese culture is associated with high power distance characterized by control by authoritative figures and centralized power systems. |
| Long-term Orientations | Americans are associated with a low long-term orientation, with individuals focusing on social obligations and meeting short-term needs. | The Chinese have a high long-term orientation, characterized by perseverance and sacrifice for a better future. |
| Uncertainty Avoidance | There is a low uncertainty avoidance; hence, relaxed rules and risk tolerance. | There is a high uncertainty avoidance characterized by obeying rules to avoid uncertainty. |
Insights
According to Zhang & District (2020), the conflict between the US and China reflects variations in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions between Western and non-Western nations. Each country views their system as being superior to the other. On the one hand, the US believes that giving individuals more liberties enhances their quality of life, enabling them to exploit their potential. On the other hand, Chinese cultural dimensions indicate a commitment toward collective well-being.
The Impact of Culture on the US-China Human Rights Conflict
The US places a significant premium on personal rights and individual freedom, reflecting the characteristics of an individualistic society. The opposite can be said about China, which values societal harmony and collective well-being, features that reflect collectivism (Luo, 2014). The cultural differences lead to varying interpretations of human rights. There are different approaches to political dispensation, religious attitudes, and individual rights due to cultural differences.
Moreover, the power distance dimension contributes to the human rights clashes between the two nations. On the one hand, the US culture has a low power distance, which means power is decentralized (Luo, 2014). The US culture emphasizes the freedom of speech and pluralism. On the contrary, China has a high power distance, hence centralizing power and limiting individual freedoms (Luo, 2014). As a result, when Chinese authorities sanction freedom of speech, the US will likely view this as a violation of human rights.
One of the approaches that may play a key role in resolving the conflict between China and the US is cultural diplomacy. This will involve both parties engaging in a conversation aimed at a mutual understanding of each country’s cultural dimensions. Afterward, they should agree on the bare minimum human rights standards neither state should violate and what to ignore due to cultural differences.
References
Luo, S. (2014). Cross-cultural differences between American and Chinese college students on self-disclosure on social media (Doctoral dissertation, Iowa State University).
Zhang, Q. S., Liu, Q. N., & District, B. (2020). A study of the differences between Chinese and Western cultures from the perspective of Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory. East African Scholars J Edu Humanit Lit, 3(4), 125-128.
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Question 
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the assigned pages from Chapter 16 of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology for the 21st Century. Focus on Western and non-Western models of peacemaking.
Review the article, “Culture and Conflict.” Note the values in individualist and collectivist settings.
Review the article, “Culture-Based Negotiation Styles.” Pay attention to the way that different countries approach negotiation.
Review the article, “Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: Understanding Workplace Values Around the World.” Notice the differences between each dimension of culture.
Comparative Analysis of Cultural Dimensions in Conflict- A Study of the United States and Chin
Select two countries that have been or currently are in conflict.
Compare the two countries using the cultural dimensions interactive index.
Consider the role of culture in the conflict that you selected and how dimensions of culture might influence the resolution of the conflict.
The assignment: (2–4 pages)
Briefly describe the two countries that you selected and the conflict in which they are engaged. Explain why you selected them.
Compare the two countries on the following dimensions: collectivism-individualism, masculinity-femininity, power distance, long-term orientation, and uncertainty avoidance.
Explain what insights you had or conclusions that you might now draw about the countries and/or the conflict between them based on your comparison.
Explain the role that culture plays in this conflict and how dimensions of culture might influence the resolution of the conflict.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.