- Individualism
The United States has one of the most individualistic cultures in the world. Americans are more likely to prioritize themselves over a group and they value independence and autonomy. This societal ethos can be seen in how Americans relate to each other–Americans do not tend to touch each other during interpersonal interactions. Americans maintain a greater distance of personal space between themselves and others, compared to more touch-oriented, collectivistic cultures like in Latin American or Mediterranean countries. As such, there is less physical contact and touch between friends, family, and strangers.
2. Equality
Across the political spectrum, most commentators identify "equality" as an American value. After all, the Constitution begins "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union" — a pronouncement that implies a group of individuals coming together to speak with equal voice and authority.
3. Materialism
Compared to people in other parts of the world, Americans usually tend to be more materialistic. This is mostly due to the fact that the average American is richer than 99% of the world’s population. Although wealth plays a significant role in being materialistic, there are other factors that play into this i.e. influential media. Studies have shown that the media influences decisions in our everyday lives. For example, if you wanted to buy a new handbag and saw numerous commercials about designer ones, you are psychologically more inclined to buy a more expensive handbag. The media often manipulates people into buying more than they should, fueling their materialism, which can lead to many dire consequences.
4. Science and Technology
According to the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Science and Engineering Indicators 2018 report released today, the United States is the global leader in science and technology (S&T). However, the U.S. global share of S&T activities is declining as other nations -- especially China -- continue to rise.
The National Science Board (NSB) is the governing body of NSF and publishes the congressionally mandated report on the state of the U.S. science and engineering (S&E) enterprise every two years. The 2018 report shows the U.S. invests the most in research and development (R&D), attracts the most venture capital, awards the most advanced degrees, provides the most business, financial and information services, and is the largest producer in high-technology manufacturing sectors. The complete report, which covers data on the domestic and global science and engineering landscape, is available online,
5. Progress and Change
The end of a decade usually marks the end of an era. There’s still debate around if the 2010s end in 2020 or 2021. Either way, the last 10 years brought major changes in the ways Americans work and live. fast changes also occurred in the ways Americans communicate and interact with each other. It was a decade when smartphones became ubiquitous and Americans spent more time than ever before using social media—as did the new president who shifted official government communication to Twitter. There were also changes in education and across economic sectors. Even the ways Americans eat and specifically which types of foods shifted. Changes to the cultural landscape also took place with progressive advances and greater awareness about social justice and identity.
Using various sources, Stacker compiled a list of how America has changed in the 2010s, including through impacts on our daily lives in the economy, politics, pop culture, technology, social media, education, and health care. Check out all the changes to America in the last decade, and some predictions for the ways American lives will shift in the future.
6. Activity and Work
- Working hours are flexible as far as IT companies are concerned. Normal office timings go from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- If you are a contractor, then you do need to maintain a minimum of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Results matter more than anything; you must be able to deliver the result.
- Contractors and temporary employees may have to fill up weekly time sheets, which are signed by their Manager.
- Few IT companies allow telecommuting where an employee can work from home, as and when required.
- Americans are very time conscious. They believe in the principles of time-management. They come to office early and leave on time. You will rarely find them working late hours, or on weekends. They plan their weekends ahead of time and value their privacy.
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