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COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

Comparison of French and Moroccan Cultures

Eli Sutton
University of Kentucky

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

Abstract
This informative essay compares and contrasts the two seemingly different cultures of France
and Morocco through the application of Hofstedes cultural dimensions.

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

Of the worlds nearly 7.5 billion people, not one of them is the exact same as another, but
paradigms can be seen through analyzing cultures, the behaviors and norms of groups of people.
There are a variety of ethnicities, nationalities, races, religions, and other groups that make up a
culture. A culture can be examined from range of a whole continent to a region, a country, and
even further. Time, as well, is a variable in assessing cultures; as the population continues to
change so do the way people behave. Also, location comes into play when comparing how
cultures interact with one another when coming into contact. It may be astonishing to people
unaware of the intimacies in the world of culture how similar behaviors and norms can be shared
across the world and have differences right next door. Although Morocco and France are close in
proximity, they have great variances in parts of their culture individualism, uncertainty
avoidance, and long term orientation.

First, individualism is the interdependence of members of a society. Individualist

put themselves first; the other end of the spectrum is where Morocco lies, collectivism.
Collectivist think about the group or family first. They are all dependent on one another to be
successful. The way a group or family lives in Morocco is based on a reputation they have built
or been handed. For example, hiring and promotions in the work place are based more off of
family links and connections rather than performance. In contrast it is often rare for a Frenchman
to display respect towards a co-worker. In their individualist society they are determined to be
the best at what their job; they couldnt care less, to an extent, who they have to push out of their
way to get what they desire, but it has not always been like this. In 2003 there was a horrific
heatwave that took around 15,000 lives. Many fell victim because they believed their families

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

were societys responsibility rather than their own. Most of the victims were elderly folks that
were left unattended while family was gone on vacation. The point is that the French have
adapted to a new style of individualism in todays culture. Their personal drive is speculated to
be the result of superior parenting by the French. They are strictly disciplined to understand that
their parents are their boss until they are living on their own and supporting themselves. This
strategy develops respect for elders as well as a motivation to achieve the power of their parents.
Thus is why they do whatever it takes to obtain a job or promotion. The boss demands respect
while it is a free for all between those of equal title. Also in contrast to the close knit ties of
members in Moroccan society, French office employees are often caught doing the opposite of
what they said behind a co-workers back to gain so sort of an advantage. That type of behavior
is unheard of in Morocco where a fine-dining restaurant was just passed down to a third
generation loyalty is key. Much like China, a highly developed country, tradition and heritage
are valued in Morocco, not personal success. Despite France being a more developed and
industrialized country, there is no correlation of that to an individualistic society versus a
collectivist society. Thus one type cannot be viewed as superior to the other.

In addition, French and Moroccan cultures view uncertainty in far different ways. Both
cultures prefer to avoid uncertainty at all costs. The French avoid the anxiety of not knowing
what the future holds by demanding control. Referring to the first paragraph, they leave nothing
to chance; a Frenchman is sure to make a valiant effort towards their ambition. This strategy
accepts the concept of attacking the present so that less is left up to chance in the future. Of
course, a person cannot control all the external variables that surround them, but the idea is to

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

limit them. Their aggressive style is often noticed in quotidian conversation; the purpose of their
talkativeness is to convey a positive impression for any future encounters. Members of the
Moroccan culture deal with ambiguity differently. They believe that they can avoid uncertainty
by remaining true to a set of rules and codes. Part of the reason Morocco is less developed may
be because of their over-loyalty to tradition. The norm is a rigid schedule steers away from most
innovation. An example of this drawback is the Moroccans hesitant attitude toward a school
reform. This unwillingness to see what the future could hold might be limiting learning
opportunities and experiences for children going through Moroccan school systems. Both of
these cultures agree to avoid uncertainty but in uncannily different ways; one does it through an
assertive approach, leaving nothing to the flip of a coin, and the other accepts a resistant path,
hoping not to stir up much change.

Lastly, one of these cultures most significant differences is in long term orientation.
Essentially long term orientation is how a culture accepts and adapts to the present and future
while still holding onto parts of their history. The French and Moroccan cultures could not be
more different on this term. The two-time winner of the Nobel Prize, French physicist Marie
Curie, suggests progress is neither swift nor easy (Curie, 1903). The Frenchmens over-zealous
attitude is exhibited once again; they are quite eager to innovate, persevere, and adapt to the
ever-changing world around them. In fact, the French embassy is active in the book industry and
encourages publications of the French and Arabic languages in Morocco. On the other hand,
Moroccan culture remains true to its respected traditions, hardly acknowledging the future. Their
culture is known as normative whereas the French are more pragmatic. As a culture, Moroccans

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

are resistant to media but do show signs of progress. They had 8 less court cases against
journalist in 2013 than they did in 2012. None of the 96 journalist that went to court in 2013
served any time in prison; regardless, the court process is a hassle for what seems to be a
harmless act. That is how strict they are to their traditions. Story-telling and opinionated writing
veer to far from the norms of their culture thus journalists are frowned upon. Limitations of
freedom of speech is another major factor to why Morocco is a less developed country. It is
tough to think about the brilliant minds and voices that have been hushed, not only in Morocco
but, all of the world and what they could have allowed the world to experience.

Ultimately the patterns can be seen just in a few short paragraphs the impact of a cultures
behaviors and beliefs on their nation. For some, like France, their culture functions to push the
new idea, the new technology, or belief. The French are pushing one another, competing to be the
best at their craft. Their culture has formed under a government that allows and encourages that
type of progress while the Moroccan government still controls what is acknowledged in the
present and the importance of the past. Differences between their cultures should be expected
because, again, not everyone is the same, but it is strange to have the same belief and such
opposite ways of expressing it. Many beautiful opportunities and harsh restrictions lie within the
1400 miles that separate France and Morocco; it is hard to image what all cultures have to offer
the world.

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

COMPARISON OF FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CULTURES

References Page
Arhlam, A., Elkhouzai, E., Ouchoid, J., & Haoussia, S. (2014). Towards a

Culturally -

Responsive School Reform in Morocco, 2(7).

Druckerman, P. (2014, February 4). Why French Parents Are Superior. Retrieved
October 19, 2015.
Hofstede, G. (n.d.). What about France. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
Hofstede, G. (n.d.). What about Morocco. Retrieved October 19, 2015
Huggins, E. (2010, March 18). France's Killer Collectivism. Ayn Rand, Objectivism, and
Individualism. The Atlas Society. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
Retnani, Y., & Dod, P. (2010). Children and Young Adult Readers in Morocco. Publishing
Research Quarterly, 26(3), 202-209.