A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What type of culture does the term 'simpatia' refer to in a psychological context?

1. Individualist culture

2. High context culture

3. Collectivist culture emphasizing social harmony and help

4. Materialistic culture focused on personal success

The correct answer is: Collectivist culture emphasizing social harmony and help

The term 'simpatia' originates from Latin American cultural contexts and refers to a relational style that emphasizes social harmony, kindness, and mutual support among individuals. In psychology, it represents an aspect of collectivist cultures, where the well-being of the group often takes precedence over individual achievement. These cultures foster interdependence and prioritize the maintenance of harmonious relationships within the community. Simpatia encourages individuals to be attentive to the feelings and needs of others, promoting behaviors that enhance emotional connections and social cohesion. This contrasts with individualistic cultures, where self-expression and personal goals are more valued. In high-context cultures, communication relies heavily on the context and nonverbal cues, which aligns with the values of simpatia, but does not encompass the full essence of social harmony represented in collectivist cultures. Materialistic cultures focus more on personal achievements and material success, which diverges from the principles embodying simpatia. Hence, the emphasis on social harmony and helping behaviors within a collectivist framework accurately captures the meaning of 'simpatia'.