A) Read the following statement about how many hours people work per week in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Then, identify which of the
following cultural traits is most likely responsible for the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands in 2020.
On average, people in the Netherlands worked for 29.4 hours per week. On average, people in the U.S. worked for 34.6 hours per week. (1 point)
The U.S. culture is more strongly influenced by the Christian religion than the Netherlands’ culture is.
The U.S. culture prioritizes flexible scheduling.
The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
The Netherlands’ culture is influenced by its northern location in the Northern Hemisphere, while the U.S. is closer to the equator
The most likely cultural trait responsible for the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands in 2020 is:
C) The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
Based on the statement, the cultural trait most likely responsible for the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands in 2020 is that the U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands' culture prioritizes health and welfare.
To determine which cultural trait is most likely responsible for the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands in 2020, we need to analyze the options provided:
A) The U.S. culture is more strongly influenced by the Christian religion than the Netherlands’ culture is.
B) The U.S. culture prioritizes flexible scheduling.
C) The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
D) The Netherlands’ culture is influenced by its northern location in the Northern Hemisphere, while the U.S. is closer to the equator.
To assess these options, we need to consider alternative factors that may influence workweek length:
1. Religion: While religious beliefs can shape cultural values and norms, there is no direct correlation between Christian influence and workweek length.
2. Flexible scheduling: This refers to the ability to choose work hours and adjust them to personal preferences. However, flexible scheduling can both increase or decrease average workweek hours, depending on how it is implemented. It does not necessarily explain the specific difference between the U.S. and the Netherlands.
3. Capitalism and Health/Welfare: It is possible that differences in cultural priorities contribute to variations in workweek length. The U.S., known for prioritizing capitalism, may have a work culture that encourages longer workweeks. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, with a stronger emphasis on health and welfare, might prioritize work-life balance, leading to shorter workweeks.
4. Geography: The geographic location of a country does not directly affect workweek length. The proximity to the equator or location in the Northern Hemisphere does not provide a clear explanation for the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands.
Given these considerations, the option that seems most relevant and likely to explain the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands in 2020 is:
C) The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
To confirm this, further analysis and research into the specific cultural values and norms of each country would be necessary. Additionally, factors such as labor laws, government regulations, and historical context may also contribute to the observed differences in workweek length.