The Relationship of Cultural Traits and Cultural Consumption in Hungary and France

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
During my presentation I would like to present the results of my undergraduate thesis which examines the relationship between the cultural traits and the cultural consumption of Hungary and France.
The first part of my research paper is focusing on the two nations’ cultural traits based on Geert Hofstede’s five well-known cultural dimensions, such as Uncertainty Avoidance, Power Distance, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Individualism vs. Collectivism, and Long vs. Short Term Orientation. These cultural traits – more precisely the dimensions’ indexes – illustrate different values in different national cultures, and these cultural values can usually determine how the individuals of different nations think and behave. By using sociology researches and studies I examined how these indexes measured by Hofstede are reflected in the real values and behavior of the Hungarians and French.
In the second part based on my qualitative analysis – using my own experience and observation acquired in Hungary and France during my exchange semester – I have demonstrated in a case study how these cultural traits appear in and affect the citizens’ cultural consumption in terms of festival goods. I analyzed the annual festivals of two cities, Szeged and Angers, according to the following aspects: the festivals’ aims and values, program structure, target groups and their behavior, and communication tools. By comparing these results to the cultural dimensions’ indexes I was able to conclude whether these indexes are verified in terms of the festival consumption.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Dorottya Igricz studies at the Széchenyi István College for Advanced Studies and the Corvinus University. She also spent a semester at teh École Superieure des Sciences Commerciales in France and has been accepted to Kingás College, London for the upcoming academic year. Her interest is in cultural outreach and cultural programs at various levels. Currently she is an intern with the Hungarian American Coalition.