Hofstede:  Masculinity / Femininity

This dimension focuses on how extent to which a society stress achievement or nurture.  Masculinity is seen to be the trait which emphasizes ambition, acquisition of wealth, and differentiated gender roles.  Femininity is seen to be the trait which stress caring and nurturing behaviors, sexuality equality, environmental awareness, and more fluid gender roles.

Hoftstede’s definitions:

“Masculinity stands for a society in which social gender roles are clearly distinct: Men are supposed to be assertive, tough, and focused on material success; women are supposed to be more modest, tender, and concerned with the quality of life.”

“Femininity stands for a society in which social gender roles overlap: Both men and women are supposed to be modest, tender, and concerned with the quality of life.”

From Hofstede (2001), Culture’s Consequences, 2nd ed.  p 297.

  Review Hofstede’s country ranking for Masculinity / Femininity.  

Traits of Masculinity / Femininity

High Masculine Low Masculine (Feminine)
social norms ego oriented relationship oriented

money and things are important quality of life and people are important

live in order to work work in order to live



politics and economics  economic growth high priority environment protection high priority

conflict solved through force conflict solved through negotiation



religion most important in life less important in life

only men can be priests both men and women as priests



work larger gender wage gap smaller gender wage gap

fewer women in management more women in management

preference for higher pay preference for fewer working hours



family and school traditional family structure flexible family structure

girls cry, boys don’t; boys fight, girls don’t both boys and girls cry; neither fight

failing is a disaster failing a minor accident