In the Middle between East and West: Implicit Cultural Orientations in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Arabian cultures are of historical and contemporary importance, yet little is known about their psychological characteristics. We hypothesized that the importance of memberships in kinship groups in Arabian culture leads to both strong interdependent tendencies via group identification, but also strong independent tendencies regarding self-dignity and experience of independent emotions (pride, anger) as a result of kinship group rivalries. Using a cultural task analysis to assess implicit behavioral markers of cultural orientations, we found that – compared to individuals in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany – Saudi Arabians were relatively interdependent on measures of attention, social judgment, and happiness. However, on two measures tapping self-evaluation and emotional experience, Saudi Arabians emerged as highly independent. No gender difference was found. Altogether, Saudi Arabia clearly defies the currently dominant classification of cultures (independent or interdependent), thereby posing important challenges to extant theories of culture.