In their book Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace, Iris Varner and Linda Beamer discuss the concept of culture being 𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 from the inside and less cohesive (or 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞) from the outside. This means that within a culture, there are deeply ingrained historical and social practices that fit well together and make sense primarily to the locals. From an outside perspective, however, these practices can seem inconsistent or fragmented and may not align with the internal logic. It's not about moralizing these differences but about understanding and bridging these paradoxes, which is a more difficult task. I see some paradoxes in Denmark, summarized as follows: - We venerate hygge as feelings of coziness, comfort, and enjoying simple pleasures, promoting a sense of well-being and togetherness. Yet, it can also lead to social exclusion, as it often revolves around close-knit groups, making it difficult for outsiders to connect. - We are the most open (few taboos), yet we are also the most private people. - We are the most egalitarian, yet we discreetly think we are actually superior to other (larger) nations. Denmark must be a special country, and being Danish is something special. - We are law-abiding, yet disobedient (mostly connected to a high degree of autonomy). - We promote 'mangfoldighed' (diversity), yet within a homogenous spectrum. - We are direct, yet we avoid open conflict. - We are the least religious, yet 72% of Danes are part of the Danish Folk Church. - We are the happiest in the world, yet expats say the opposite. - We often think our humor is a tiny bit better than others', yet few outsiders think so, fewer understand it, and even fewest master it ;) What could these paradoxes mean to internationals... and Danes? If you really want to know just book #anatoliecantir for a talk, he's got some beton answers ;) #talk #danishculture #cohesive #incohesive
I just listened to a discussion between social psychologist Adam Grant and historian Yuval Noah Harari. One of the points in the discussion was the resurgence/need of the kind of nationalism that creates cohesion without the ugly parts that say "and hence we need to conquer our neighboring countries to convert them to be like us". Why the need? Because unless we share enough with our neighbors, we are not willing to sacrifice anything for their well being. And without a minimum level of solidarity you don't have a society. 💡CRAIG JAMES, Anatolie Cantir's post made me think of your series of words that are almost alike. Are these concepts really opposites or is it a false dichotomy?
Signe Biering
7mo
Thank you Anatolie Cantir - as a Dane I would say you beautifully capture how we are perfectly imperfect 😂😊🙏🏼
Interesting insights! These contradictions are mind-boggling 😀 Openness with privacy! diversity in homogeneity, and the humor—guess I need some years for it! Thanks for sharing Anatolie
Experienced Learning and Development Professional (Associate Professor, Associate Member ALT, EDU Fellowship Member)
6moPerfectly accurate in the Danish culture paradoxes. I've experienced each and everyone exactly as you have described here Anatolie Cantir