Hofstede Model Indulgence vs. Restraint

 Hi,

This topic covers how freely people enjoy life and how often they follow their desires. In Bulgaria usually we are on the restraint side. People focus on responsibilities before enjoyment. Of course, fun is to be had and there is a lot of people who do 90% fun things and responsibilities fade in the background. But on average we grow up with the idea that hard work comes first. Spending money on luxurious things or entertainment is done with care. I still remember when in 2013 I begged my dad to buy me a 40 Euro PS4 game and he just couldnt understand why would he make such a purchase. Just a game for the huge amount of 40 Euro is mental. There is also a bit social pressure to it, people dont like if you show off too much. Overall because of economic challenges in the past people tend to be more practical and cautious with their purchases.

Japan could me maybe seen as both but I am going to talk about the restraint side. Japanese culture values discipline and self-control. If you openly enjoy yourself or focus too much on personal pleasure it could be seen as selfish, and you dont want that in a heavy collectivist society. People keep emotions and desires under control and put duty above fun. Thats why it is also so hard to schedule a going out with a Japanese person (from my experience). 

Around the world both extremes could be seen. Countries like US or Brazil are more indulgent. Enjoying yourself is seen as important. But for example in Bulgaria and Japan not so much, as I wrote earlier.

I think there should be a balance. As with everything ðŸ˜ŒðŸ˜Œ.



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