8  Social Norms

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8.1 Conformity

📖 The tendency to adjust one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to align with those of the group.

8.1.1 item The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

• rationale:
  • Israelis value conformity and social cohesion, and they may disapprove of individuals who stand out or challenge the group’s norms.

8.1.2 item It’s important to fit in.

• rationale:
  • Israelis place a high value on belonging and acceptance, and they may make an effort to conform to group expectations in order to feel included.

8.1.3 item Don’t cause trouble.

• rationale:
  • Israelis tend to avoid rocking the boat and may be hesitant to express dissenting opinions or challenge authority figures.

8.1.4 item Family is everything.

• rationale:
  • Family is a central part of Israeli society, and individuals may prioritize the needs of their family over their own.

8.1.5 item Don’t be late.

• rationale:
  • Israelis value punctuality and may view tardiness as a sign of disrespect or unreliability.

8.2 Respect for Authority

📖 The belief that those in positions of power should be obeyed and respected, regardless of their personal qualities.

8.2.1 item Age and experience are highly respected. This means that elders are often given special treatment and deference.

• rationale:
  • Israelis value wisdom and experience. They believe that older people have more knowledge and understanding of the world, and therefore deserve respect.

8.2.2 item Teachers and other authority figures are highly respected. It would be considered very disrespectful to talk back to a teacher or other person in a position of authority.

• rationale:
  • Israelis believe that it is important to respect those who have knowledge and experience. They believe that teachers and other authority figures deserve respect because they have something to teach.

8.2.3 item The law is highly respected. Israelis believe that it is important to follow the law, even if they do not agree with it.

• rationale:
  • Israelis believe that the law is important for maintaining order and safety in society. They believe that everyone should follow the law, regardless of their personal beliefs.

8.2.4 item Religion is highly respected. Israelis are very proud of their Jewish heritage, and they believe that it is important to respect all religions.

• rationale:
  • Israelis believe that religion is an important part of life. They believe that it is important to respect all religions, even if they do not agree with them.

8.2.5 item Tradition is highly respected. Israelis are very proud of their traditions, and they believe that it is important to uphold them.

• rationale:
  • Israelis believe that tradition is important for preserving their culture and identity. They believe that it is important to uphold traditions, even if they do not always make sense.

8.3 Collectivism

📖 The belief that the needs of the group should take precedence over the needs of the individual.

8.3.1 item Israeli society places a high value on the collective good, and individuals are expected to act in ways that benefit the group as a whole.

• rationale:
  • This belief is rooted in the history of the Israeli state, which was founded as a refuge for Jewish people from around the world. In order to survive and thrive, Israelis had to rely on each other and work together for the common good.

8.3.2 item Individuals are expected to conform to social norms and expectations, and those who do not may face social disapproval or even ostracism.

• rationale:
  • This belief helps to maintain social order and cohesion within Israeli society. It also ensures that everyone is contributing to the collective good.

8.3.3 item The needs of the group are more important than the needs of the individual.

• rationale:
  • This belief is reflected in the many social welfare programs and institutions that exist in Israel. These programs provide support for individuals who are struggling, and they help to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.

8.3.4 item Individuals have a responsibility to help others, even if they do not know them.

• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Jewish value of tzedakah, which means charity. Israelis are taught from a young age that they have a responsibility to help those in need, and this value is reflected in the many volunteer organizations and charitable institutions that exist in the country.

8.3.5 item The collective good is more important than personal gain.

• rationale:
  • This belief is reflected in the way that Israelis vote. Israelis are more likely to vote for political parties that they believe will promote the collective good, even if those parties do not represent their own personal interests.

8.4 Hierarchy

📖 The belief that society is organized into a hierarchical structure, with each person having a specific role and status.

8.4.1 item Israelis have a strong sense of hierarchy, with a clear distinction between those in positions of authority and those who are not.

• rationale:
  • This belief stems from the Israeli military, which is based on a hierarchical structure. In the military, there is a clear chain of command, and soldiers are expected to obey orders without question. This sense of hierarchy carries over into Israeli society as a whole, where people are generally expected to respect those who are in positions of authority.

8.4.2 item Israelis are very family-oriented, and family is seen as the most important unit in society.

• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Jewish tradition, which places a high value on family. In Jewish culture, the family is seen as the foundation of society, and it is expected that children will take care of their parents in their old age. This sense of family obligation carries over into Israeli society as a whole, and Israelis are generally very close to their families.

8.4.3 item Israelis are very patriotic, and they have a strong sense of national pride.

• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the history of Israel, which has been a nation for only a relatively short period of time. Israelis are proud of their country’s achievements, and they are willing to defend their country with their lives. This sense of patriotism carries over into Israeli society as a whole, and Israelis are generally very supportive of their country.

8.4.4 item Israelis are very direct and honest, and they do not mince words.

• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the Israeli culture, which values honesty and directness. Israelis are not afraid to speak their minds, and they are generally very straightforward in their communication. This sense of directness carries over into Israeli society as a whole, and Israelis are generally very open and honest with each other.

8.4.5 item Israelis are very resilient, and they are not afraid to face challenges.

• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the history of Israel, which has been marked by war and conflict. Israelis have learned to adapt to difficult circumstances, and they are not afraid to take risks. This sense of resilience carries over into Israeli society as a whole, and Israelis are generally very determined and resourceful.

8.5 Social Distance

📖 The perceived distance between oneself and others, which can influence the level of trust and intimacy in relationships.

8.5.1 item Social distance should be close, but not too close.

• rationale:
  • Israelis value their privacy and personal space but tend to develop strong emotional connections with a few close friends and family members.

8.5.2 item Family and friends are more important than acquaintances.

• rationale:
  • Israelis prioritize relationships with those they know and trust, often maintaining close ties with their extended family.

8.5.3 item It’s important to be direct and straightforward in communication.

• rationale:
  • Israelis are known for their blunt and honest communication style, valuing transparency and efficiency in conversations.

8.5.4 item Showing emotions is a sign of weakness.

• rationale:
  • While Israelis express strong emotions within their close circles, they tend to maintain a composed demeanor in public or professional settings.

8.5.5 item Respect for authority is essential.

• rationale:
  • Israelis have a strong sense of hierarchy and respect for those in positions of authority, such as parents, teachers, and government officials.