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Mentality is usually called a set of characteristics of thinking, perception of reality and decision-making characteristic of a particular nation or people. That is, it is part of a worldview that is not individual to a person, but common to a large number of people belonging to the same ethnic or social group.
The mentality is conservative by nature, and this is especially noticeable in today's rapidly changing circumstances. Today we will analyze in detail what mentality is, how it is formed, and what types of mentality exist in the modern world.
Dedicated to those who like to chat
We are talkative and familiar, sometimes to the point of impossibility.
This quality of ours is well understood in Greece, Italy and the USA. But some peoples are famous for their taciturnity - for example, the Finns. One gets the feeling that in this country every word is taxed. One of the characteristic features of dialogue in Finland is long pauses, which are not considered something awkward or tedious, as in our country. The Russians have a proverb that comes from certain circles for such cases: “a cop was born” - they say, we mourn the future victims of police brutality. The Finns will dreamily say: “An angel has flown by.” A very characteristic difference, isn't it? The secret is that among Finns this is the basis of good manners: with a long pause you show respect for your interlocutor and demonstrate that you do not want to burden him with unnecessary information.
Types of mentality
Researchers identify 4 types of mentality that are characteristic of different stages of the existence of human civilization. To better understand what mentality is, let's look at each of these types in more detail.
- Barbaric.
This type of mentality arises in the early stages of the formation of all civilizations. In such cultures, physical strength and a penchant for heroism are highly valued, while the fear of death is almost completely absent. The bearers of the barbarian mentality are religious, but not fanatical. They easily change religious views if the new religion better explains where the Sun hides at night and what it does there. - Aristocratic.
With the development of any civilization, significant social stratification inevitably occurs. A class of rich people appears, eating expensive, delicious food and having the opportunity to keep their bodies clean. Thanks to this, the phenomenon of sexual selectivity arises in the aristocratic mentality. Ideas about honor and dignity also rose greatly. Now noble men had to demonstrate valor and courage, and noble ladies - inaccessibility and chastity. - Intelsky.
This type of mentality was formed at the junction of late feudalism and the Renaissance. Living conditions have improved significantly and the level of security has increased. Wars in that period were not too destructive, so representatives of all classes developed a feeling of relative security. The Intel mentality is characterized by a higher value of human life. The ability to fight was valued less, and the ability to work was valued more. - Bourgeois.
This type of mentality is dominant today. The main values are efficiency, the ability to manage money, save it and invest it correctly. The carriers of this mentality are characterized by a desire for power and profit, and they also tend to subordinate their religious and ideological views to practical considerations.
In the modern world, the main one is the bourgeois type of mentality. It serves as the basis for the mentalities of peoples and nations inhabiting all countries of our planet. Of course, there are tribes that even today manage to preserve primitive customs and a barbaric type of mentality.
Do not feed or touch
We love tactile contact. Pats on the shoulder, handshakes, hugs and friendly kisses - in this regard, we are very open people. But there are peoples in the world who consider this as indecent and unacceptable as possible, for example, the Japanese. Tourists are advised: “Don’t touch the Japanese!” - and many wonder what’s wrong?
The fact is that hentai and beer lovers hate it when someone violates their inviolable personal space, and they will certainly give you a contemptuous look if you try to kiss your wife on a busy street. They do not shake hands when they meet, and hugs and other affection are reserved only for those closest to them - and behind closed doors. Residents of the United Kingdom behave in approximately the same way, but slightly less aggressively. If you want to touch an Englishman or a Japanese man, refrain.
I can do it myself
Russians are a self-sufficient people. We will fix the faucet in the bathroom ourselves, and we will light the battery from the neighbor’s Matiz, and we will recover without leaving the house. But in some countries people are absolutely helpless in the face of any such problem. For example, the Germans. The descendants of the brave warriors who kept the whole of Europe in fear, at the first symptoms of diarrhea, rush around in search of a doctor. Any Russian person will twirl his finger at his temple in bewilderment, but this is so. In turn, a German, seeing our ordinary home first aid kit, will quietly say: “Verrückt.” Even if you give a sick burgher the necessary medicine, he will sit down for four hours with instructions, studying in detail every side effect. So it goes.
Culturology. Dictionary-reference book
mentality
Mentality (Latin mens - mind, way of thinking, mindset) attitude, worldview, formed at the deep mental level of individual or collective consciousness, arises in the depths of culture, traditions, social institutions, human environment and is a set of psychological and behavioral attitudes individual or social group. a set of specific ways of thinking and feelings, value orientations and attitudes, ideas about the world and oneself, beliefs, opinions, prejudices inherent in an individual or a certain social community. Mentality forms the appropriate cultural picture of the world and largely determines the way of life, human behavior and the form of relationships between people.
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Take what's there
To be fair, despite their lack of independence, the Germans have a lot of good national traits. Such as honesty, for example. In the German metro there are no turnstiles or crowds of control officers - fares are actually paid on your word of honor. Imagine something like this in Moscow or St. Petersburg! Surprisingly, few people use such trust for selfish purposes - everyone pays regularly. Only beggars and migrants ride hare here - among the Germans this is considered bad manners. The level of social trust and honesty is so high that in small provincial towns there are even grocery stores without a cashier - customers pay for the goods using a special container. In Russia, and especially in the provinces, such a twist would not have worked even as a social experiment - this store would simply be surrounded in two hours at most. It seems we have a lot to learn from them.
Russians abroad
Russian children, moving abroad, even living in a family of 2 parents born in Russia, become 100% local in their views and principles of life. Children are flexible and do not cling to dogmas, but simply live in accordance with the new social environment.
Believe me, you yourself will be glad not to run around in heels and not spend a lot of money on outfits and salons, but to travel the world and enjoy life and new sensations instead of constantly trying to impress others. This part of the Russian female “mentality” has completely disappeared from our ladies over the years abroad.
In the same way, you will get used to smiling almost always, apologizing if someone steps on your foot (your foot is in the wrong place) and not visiting without an invitation. Learn to value your sensations and feelings instead of the eternal desire to please others and fit yourself into general standards.
That is, adapt to a new mentality under the motto “Enjoy!”
When you go to live abroad, you will be happy to leave your heels on the shelf in the closet and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
They are constantly trying to drum into us that Western people supposedly have a “different mentality.”
It comes to the point that some of our people quite sincerely believe that Western girls love a career more than a family, do not want children, and only dream of working more.
Well, seriously, think about it: how many people do you know who want to work instead of having fun? And in the West there are also very few of them, especially among women.
- The basis of the Western mentality is concentrated in the word “enjoy” ( enjoy ).
Western people strive to enjoy life at all costs. It is in order to enjoy life more that they work, because this way they can earn more money and be able to buy more pleasant benefits (food, housing, travel).
- The second principle of Western mentality: do not interfere with the enjoyment of others.
That is why Western people treat each other attentively and kindly and try to make sure that their own pleasure does not interfere with those around them. If it is legal and not prohibited by law, do whatever you want, no one will say a word to you. Your right.
- The third cornerstone of the Western mentality: compliance with laws and regulations.
Our emigrants and those living in Western countries always notice this point: everything is done in order, according to the rules. Compliance with the rules ensures peace and order. If prostitution is legal in a country (as in Australia, for example), then no one will say a word to you if you choose this career.
That, in principle, is all the basics of the mentality of foreigners! Is something difficult? Not at all.
The basis of the Western mentality is to enjoy yourself and do not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
I do not want to work
It is generally accepted that Russian people are incredibly lazy. Not at all, let's look at the French. Yes, the rumors that they practically don’t work and are released almost at lunchtime are a myth. However, it would be hard to call them champions of hard work—it’s enough to walk down the street on a day off. What's unusual? And the fact that all stores will be closed. Our unforgettable “round timber” will also be a wonder for any Frenchman - no one is going to work 24 hours in France. Well, except for the Arabs, perhaps, but, according to local residents, buying anything in their shops is dangerous to your health. Their cafes and restaurants open like our hookah bars - in the evening, after the end of the office working day.
How is mentality formed?
The mentality of an ethnic group or people takes a very long time to form – over the course of centuries. It contains all significant events and circumstances: wars and alliances, crises and periods of prosperity, eras of good rulers and tyrants. Therefore, there is no uniquely good or uniquely bad mentality. It always contains both positive and negative aspects.
The formation of mentality is influenced by a huge number of factors, which are usually combined into 4 groups:
- Natural, climatic and geographical.
The mentality depends on what kind of relations a country has with neighboring states, what its climate is like, and what natural attractions it has. - Social and historical.
Each nation has its own views on history, its own heroes and its own significant events, which are given special importance in history lessons. This “imprint” becomes part of the mentality of adults. - Religious.
The main religion of the country, the general level of religiosity, the presence of other religions and the attitude towards them are the most important factors in the formation of mentality. - Educational.
The education system shapes children's attitude to life, lays the foundations of their worldview and sets the perception of factors from other groups.
The listed groups cover factors influencing the formation of mentality as a global phenomenon. If we talk about how the mentality of one particular person is formed, then here we can highlight the following factors:
- parents' mentality;
- individual evolution of views;
- the influence of other people (idols, teachers, friends and even enemies);
- educational institutions;
- characteristics of the health and physical condition of the body;
- individual mental characteristics;
- books read, films watched.
The most pronounced manifestations of mentality in a particular person can be observed in stressful situations, when it is difficult for him to control his own behavior, adjusting it to generally accepted norms.
It is important to take into account that the appearance features characteristic of representatives of a particular nation have nothing to do with mentality. Moreover, behavior may differ among different ethnic groups due to genetically determined differences in metabolism or hormonal levels. And this also has nothing to do with mentality, since genetic factors operate regardless of the society in which a person grew up and was brought up.
Mentality includes only those characteristics of behavior and thinking that a person acquires in the process of upbringing and growing up, regardless of origin and genes.
Have you washed?
Since childhood, we have been told: we need to maintain personal hygiene, brush our teeth twice, and don’t go to bed dirty. The French do not agree with us. Of course, they shower daily, but they prefer to do it in the morning! A morning shower invigorates and gives strength - no doubt, well done. However, when they come home after a hard day at work, covered in sweat and street dust, they go to bed like this. It’s scary to imagine how dirty their sheets and duvet covers are. Even doctors confirm that this is very harmful to health.
In addition, the French are not accustomed to washing their hands before eating - what is considered an unwritten axiom in our country is considered unnecessary and a sign of paranoia. From the street - straight to the table, despite the fact that you were on the subway, touching handrails and door handles of public toilets. Whatever you say, we have always differed from the Europeans in being more clean.
How is it different from mentality?
Often these concepts are confused and used for other purposes. Although in reality they are quite similar.
Mentality
A vision of the world, peculiarities of perception and value systems characteristic of a large group of people. Mentality manifests itself in a specific group of people.
Mentality
It may be characteristic of society as a whole. This is how we perceive our surroundings through emotions. The mentality can be the same for completely different mentalities.
In a dark, dark room...
Let's part with the Parisian dirty guys and talk about freedom-loving America. Residents of the United States are similar to us in their familiarity and openness, love of idle chatter, family holidays and cheerful companies. However, there are differences. We can talk for a long time about the habit of smiling, following the rules and telling on our neighbors, but we are looking for the most interesting things, right?
One of the less obvious differences is fearfulness. Americans are a terribly cowardly people. A simple example: you can find a lot of videos where passers-by in the dark are scared by a scary man dressed as a clown - and in each one, a dozen Americans of both sexes run away screaming. Once some bloggers tried to do the same in Russia. The only reaction that minimally resembles fear is “oh, damn...” (and from both women and men). Some passers-by tried to pester the actor - and then he probably got scared. People in Russia have seen worse things than Pennywise and his dancing. Much more Russians are afraid of utility bills and a police car.
Religious influences
National mentality is largely the influence of religion. In sociology, it is believed that Islam, Western and Eastern Christianity and Judaism influenced the formation of four major mentalities. For example, for Jews even in our time, the Jewish mentality with special, dogmatically determined and fixed by thousands of years of national tradition attitudes of faith, thinking and will is important. Social and political ideas, values, identity, systems of relationships and characteristic types of behavior largely determine the worldview of the Jewish nation. There is an opinion that religion has been adapted to the mentality. But it was not formed on its basis. Since our society, due to its great diversity, does not have a clear answer to this question, it will remain the subject of long future debates.
Tips
The finishing touch to our portrait gallery is a tip. The habit of leaving a certain amount on top of the check is part of etiquette in Europe, as well as in some countries overseas. We only do this in cafes or restaurants, and only if we liked everything. And there you will have to leave the damn tips to the taxi driver, pizza delivery man, hotel doorman, plumber, supermarket employee and many, many others. In some European countries, tips are blatantly included directly on the check - and no one asks you whether you intended to leave them. This culture is still alien to us - it’s not that we are greedy, it’s just that our salaries are not the same as those of Europeans, and prices are not the same as in the USA (seriously, there you can buy a cart full of food for $50, which will last for a week two). We don’t really want to share our hard-earned money.
Terms
The meaning of the word “mentality” goes back to the Latin “mens”, which means “spirit”. Mentality is the spirit of a people or group. It reflects the characteristics of a particular group in the sphere of intelligence, feelings, culture, and values.
In Europe, the word “mentality” began its history with the concept “mentality”, which was used with a pejorative connotation and meant something opposed to culture. If the aristocrats had culture, then the common man had mentality.
Lucien Lévy-Bruhl, in his work “Primitive Thought,” devoted to the study of collective ideas among primitive people, uses the word “mentality” to denote their mentality. In the twentieth century, there was a shift in emphasis on human privacy.
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Researchers began studying the inner world of people, which led to the need to use the words “mentality” and “mentality,” indicating stable structures in the psychology of people of a particular culture. In this understanding, mentality is a sum of attitudes, an expression of collective psychology.
The work of scientists has made it possible to more accurately formulate the definition of the concept. Mentality is unconscious attitudes, structures of consciousness, including ideas about both the world, society, and the person in them, inherent in a social group. The content of mentality, according to Dinzelbacher:
- Fears and hopes.
- Aesthetic and ethical ideas.
- Religiosity and cosmology.
- Forms of communication.
Mentality has a great influence on the hierarchy of values and stereotypes. It brings together representatives of the same group. In foreign literature, the concept of “national mentality” corresponds to the term “cultural identity”.
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In the structure of mentality, the national idea and the national prototype (positive hero) are especially prominent. Due to the fact that the national mentality reflects the goals, values, norms of behavior, interests, ideals and other characteristics of different peoples, familiarity with it is necessary for productive communication with representatives of other nationalities.
