Clash!: 8 Cultural Conflicts That Make Us Who We Are by Hazel Rose Markus (May 7 2013)

Great read!

This was an interesting book to read. It is full of fascinating studies of human behavior and intriguing correlations. The authors present a perspective of the world that asks if we primarily function as independent selves or interdependent selves. They draw this out in unending permutations of how the juxtaposition between the two create culture clashes. However, most of the correlations are just that- broad sweeping statements about large sectors of society that illustrate vaguely correlating behaviors. The generalizations made are just too broad to be very helpful. And as many of us know, studies may prove correlation but not causation. I would argue that the independent vs. interdependent ideas are most helpful as a lens through which to observe culture rather than any scientific explanation of why cultures have conflicts.