The Power Distance Dimensions In American Society

The Power Distance Dimension refers to the idea that all members in society are not equal. This dimension observes the reaction of individuals within a culture in regards to inequalities within the society. Often, these inequalities are the functions of economic power (or lack of), political status, age, and gender.

Societies such as the United States score moderately low (40) on Power Distance, which in relation to Individualism, accepts that everyone is different, and therefore, unequal. Yet, because of low restraint, people in American society feel at liberty to debate status symbols. Again, this relates to the idea of terrestrial fulfillment, as in combating the views of soul conflicts, scientific humanism deals with actual human activities

and their effect of living standards. South Koreans, on the other hand, have a relatively high power distance (60), in accordance with Confucianism teachings. Confucian teachings highlight the importance of hierarchy in a society, and that each member has mutual obligations. The distance in power is not without reciprocation, as members which are elevated by the hierarchy have obligations to their subordinates, “for example as between Husband and Wife, Parents and Children, Older Brother and Younger Brother, and so on. Adherence to the proper conduct expected between members of these groupings would… serve as the foundation of a just a stable society. Although the subordinate members of a relationship (children to their parents, wives to their husbands) were required to be obedient, their obedience was not absolute and depended upon the superior member of the relationship acting in accordance with his own obligations” (Confucius Teachings).
One element which Krys Lee stresses in with the Power Distance dimension, and which has explicit expectations in Confucian teachings is the effect of age on power in South Korea. There are many forms of proper etiquette in South Korea, ranging from different types of bows and different language terms to address different age groups, genders, and people of different professions. Commencing with the tightest framework of society is the relationship between parent and child, “Decades my junior and you think you have rights? (Lee, 67),” K. Lee shows the expectations of had of a son in Korean culture. Yet, this view is not complete without delving deeper into the story of the “Pastor’s Son”. The story, although exaggerated to some extents, does not just reflect the role of the son and his expected obedience, but also, the role of the father, a man suffering from post-traumatic stress, depression, and aggression issues after the war. Not only does it delve into the father’s abuse of his authority, but it also ends with an apology from the father (before committing suicide). The apology is significant because it highlights the Confucian ideology of obedience within reason and considering the failures or successes of the powerful member in the relationship.