Back to one of my favorite topics, Geert Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions. I decided to focus on this after a few conversations with human resource managers over the last few days.
In Brazil, there is a ranking system that slots people into where they are in society. This ranking system appears to be based solely on income. The ranges are A - E with A being the "super rich". There is much discussion about the A-B class or upper class. Where would the A-B class go to school? What would they read? Where would they shop? Seems like a very logical question particularly for HR and Marketing professionals.
However, what continues to bother me is the "ranking" of people. What does it say to those in the C, D & E classes? Do they see themselves as having any opportunities? Do the A/B's look down on them? Although Brazil prides itself on integration on many levels, this appears to be a way to create a hierarchy.
Based on Hofstede's ranking, I guess shouldn't be surprised. Brazil is ranked a 69 on Power Distance. Power Distance is the level of comfort a society has with inequalities. The U.S has a PDI of 40. Perhaps, this is why mos t Americans call themselves "middle class" whether they earn $20k or $200k.
The difference in the power distance can also help to explain why I'm so troubled with the idea of "labeling" people based on their income. My concern is that once labeled these people may feel that they cannot change their current situation. To me, this would be akin to telling my student that s/he is no better than a "D" student and then expecting them to achieve an "A" in my class. I don't know, perhaps the lower classes will never be able to move up, however I prefer to think that the glass is half full and that there is always a chance.
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