While there are many micro-cultures in the world, they all belong to one of these three categories: honor, achievement, and joy. Each culture has its own unique set of values and beliefs that dictate how people should behave and interact with one another.
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HONOR CULTURES
Honor cultures may be more traditional and less likely to change. They prioritize authority (parental, marital, or political) and they also tend to have strong family ties and a sense of community. The honor culture is based on its past which is respect for elders and tradition. People in honor cultures place a high value on loyalty and family ties, and they are often very religious. Such culture is found in many Asian countries, where respect for one’s parents and ancestors is highly valued. While the honor culture is seen as respectful and traditional, it has been criticized for being repressive and conservative.
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ACHIEVEMENT CULTURES
Achievement cultures are more individualistic and are based on success and individualism. People in achievement cultures are driven by ongoing development and personal achievement. It is found in many Western countries, where people are driven by their accomplishments. The achievement culture can be seen as ambitious and competitive, but to outsiders, it can be seen as cold and competitive.
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JOY CULTURES
Joy cultures are characterized as carefree and relaxed. Joy cultures are based on happiness and pleasure. People in joy cultures enjoy life. They primarily focus on enjoying the moment and on social interactions. The joy culture is found in many Latin American countries, where people often enjoy life to the fullest. While the joy culture can be seen as fun-loving and happy, it can also be seen as undisciplined, lazy, and unproductive.
In the end, it is up to each individual to decide which culture they want to belong to and at what period of their lifetime. Some people may find honor cultures too restrictive, while others may find achievement cultures too competitive. And some people may find joy cultures too carefree, without enough structure or discipline. You may find relocation to other countries as a great tool to discover who you really are or reinvent your or your children’s personalities. Ultimately, it is up to each person to find the culture that best suits their personality and lifestyle.