Essay on "Similarities and Differences Between American and European Values"
Essay 3 pages (1192 words) Sources: 5
[EXCERPT] . . . .
American and European ValuesHow different are American values on various important topics than the values of their counterparts in Western Europe? It would seem on the surface that there would be dramatic differences even within Western European countries, given that societies in Denmark or the Netherlands, for example, are vastly different from those in Greece or Spain. Meanwhile, this paper delves into those cultural differences when it comes to values within each geographic area.
The utilization of military force: In the Pew Research Center's survey comparing U.S. And Western European values, three quarters of Americans believe it is "sometimes necessary to use military force" in the sense of bringing order out of chaos (PEW, 2011). Seven in ten British people agree with the Americans but in France and Spain, somewhat fewer (62%) agree with the UK and U.S., but in Germany only half of those surveyed agree (PEW, 2011). That said, 6 in 10 German men believe there are instances in which the military must be used to "maintain order" but just 4 of 10 German women agree with that value (PEW, 2011).
As expected, conservatives in the U.S. are more apt to support using military force, and this is also true, according to PEW, in France, the UK, and Spain. The viewpoint towards use of military force depends on the educational level of those being polled: in Spain, 84% of respondents with college degrees say the United Nations should approve prior to military interventions; most college grads agree the UN should be consulted in Germany, France and in the UK (PEW).
Should nations be engaged with or provide help to other nations? In England
download full paper ⤓
In terms of cultural superiority, nearly half (49%) of Americans feel that the American culture is superior to that of others. Fewer people in England (32%) and France (27%) believe their culture surpasses all others, but in Spain 44% believe their culture is superior. A few years ago (in 2002) 60% of Americans felt culturally superior and by 2007, that percentage shrunk to 55%. The younger the person being surveyed in the U.S., the less apt that person is to agree that the American culture is superior (PEW).
Political beliefs in America and role of the state in Europe and America: Since 1980 in the U.S., a political coalition of conservative evangelical Protestants have "dominated" elections, using the framework of the Republican Party, according to Bernstein, et al., in the Third World Quarterly journal. Those doubting the power of the Christian coalition, note the election of George W. Bush. Also note the rhetoric of GOP candidate Mitt Romney, downplaying his own success with healthcare reform in Massachusetts to appeal to the Tea Party and right wing Christians, groups that oppose Obama's healthcare reform act. While American politicians "…represent the views of sub-constituencies within the electorate," in 12 Western Europe democracies (between 1973 and 2002) research shows that politicians and their parties tend to be "highly responsive to the views of opinion leaders," that is, citizens that are "regularly engaged in political discussions and persuasion" (Adams, et al., 2009, p. 206).
Religious views and the role of religion in Western Europe vs. America: it appears from the PEW research that far more Americans view religion as important than Western Europeans… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Similarities and Differences Between American and European Values" Assignment:
“Different cultures have different values and reconciling these values is one of the most frustrating elements of foreign policy. Understanding and evaluating values is extremely important when it comes to influencing the conduct of a nation*****s affairs. Even amongst cultures that share the majority of their values, such as the United States and the countries of Western Europe, there may be differences of opinion regarding the relative importance of particular values. In November, 2011, the Pew Research Center conducted a poll based on American and Western European values.
After reading American Exceptionalism Subsides: The American-Western European Values Gap (http://www.pewglobal.org/2011/11/17/the-american-western-european-values-gap/), appraise the values of Europe and the U.S. when it comes to the following components:
the utilization of military
whether they should be engaged with and provide assistance to other countries or be isolated from other countries
their beliefs about being a superior culture
political beliefs, individualism, or the role of the state
the role of religion
beliefs about homosexuality
The paper must be three pages in length and formatted according to APA style.
You must use at least five scholarly resources (at least two of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library) other than the textbook to support your claims and subclaims.
Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
How to Reference "Similarities and Differences Between American and European Values" Essay in a Bibliography
“Similarities and Differences Between American and European Values.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2012, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/american-european-values/8742673. Accessed 6 Jul 2024.
Related Essays:
Similarities and Differences Between American and European Values Essay
American and European Values
Traditionally, there have been a number of key distinctions found between the values of people in the United States and the values of those that reside… read more
Essay 3 pages (977 words) Sources: 2 Topic: Religion / God / Theology
Mexican American War and Civil Term Paper
Mexican-American War and Civil War
The Mexican-American war between the two neighboring countries can be considered to have played an important role in the shaping of the history of the… read more
Term Paper 6 pages (1979 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: American History / United States
Analyzing Two Cultural Groups Their Similarities and Differences and How These Impact Communication Term Paper
African-Americans & Hispanic-Americans
Hispanic-Americans are currently finding themselves on the receiving end of an unprecedented amount of racism, similar to what has been the historical experience of African-Americans in this… read more
Term Paper 8 pages (2189 words) Sources: 7 Style: APA Topic: Race / Ethnic Studies / Racism
Comprehension and Miscomprehension Between French and Micmac Essay
Comprehension and Miscomprehension Between French and Micmac
The French and Micmac cultures that met and, to a certain extent, merged early in the 17th century could not have been more… read more
Essay 3 pages (971 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Native American Indians
Captivity and Slavery in American History Essay
Captivity & Slavery in American History
Journey towards Freedom of Mind: Understanding the Worldviews of Mary Rowlandson, Captive, and Olaudah Equiano, Slave
During the Colonial period, American society is undergoing… read more
Essay 7 pages (2366 words) Sources: 5 Style: Turabian Topic: Native American Indians
Sat, Jul 6, 2024
If you don't see the paper you need, we will write it for you!
We can write a new, 100% unique paper!