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) Responses
The Netherlands’ culture is influenced by its northern location in the Northern Hemisphere, while the U.S. is closer to the equator.
The U.S. culture is more strongly influenced by the Christian religion than the Netherlands’ culture is.
The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
The U.S. culture prioritizes flexible scheduling.
The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
The most likely cultural trait 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 consider the information provided and analyze each option.
Option 1: The Netherlands’ culture is influenced by its northern location in the Northern Hemisphere, while the U.S. is closer to the equator.
The statement about geographical location does not directly correlate with workweek length. Therefore, it is unlikely that this cultural trait is the primary reason for the difference.
Option 2: The U.S. culture is more strongly influenced by the Christian religion than the Netherlands’ culture is.
Religious influence does not directly explain the difference in workweek length between the U.S. and the Netherlands. Consequently, this cultural trait is unlikely to be the primary reason.
Option 3: The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare.
This option provides a possible explanation for the difference. The prioritization of health and welfare in the Netherlands could lead to a shorter workweek, whereas the emphasis on capitalism in the U.S. may lead to longer working hours. Therefore, this option is a viable candidate for the primary cultural trait responsible for the variation.
Option 4: The U.S. culture prioritizes flexible scheduling.
While flexible scheduling may contribute to workweek length, it does not entirely explain the difference between the U.S. and the Netherlands. Therefore, it is less likely to be the primary cultural trait responsible.
Based on the information provided, option 3, "The U.S. culture prioritizes capitalism, while the Netherlands’ culture prioritizes health and welfare," is the most probable cultural trait responsible for the difference in workweek length between the two countries.