Japan and the United States, Essay Example

Japan and the United States are very different culturally, and would therefore be more likely to be persuaded by different marketing styles. In both countries, the concept of power distance does exist, although in a different manner. In the United States, there is a power balance between social classes but general equality between genders. In Japan, there is power distance among members of different social classes and gender, in which men are considered dominant. Furthermore, the United States is an individualistic society that appreciates the uniqueness of every individual. Japan is more focused on the collective identity of a person, and emphasizes familial relationship and connections over individual.

The two societies do share some similarities however. They are both known for masculinity in which men are expected to be the head of the household and the breadwinner, while the women are concerned with life at home. Although the United States does show some femininity, in which gender roles between men and women are equal, masculinity prevails. Uncertainty avoidance also exists in both cultures; both Japanese and Americans prefer to know what to expect and deal with structured tasks rather than the unknown. In addition, both cultures display long term orientation, in which virtue is an important aspect of society. However, short term orientation, a search for truth, is also very important to many people in both cultures.