National culture and attitude to ecology: on the example of Ukraine and Mongolia

Abstract

Inefficiency of the economic system and specific features of the national culture are the main causes of environmental crises. This study identifies relationship between the characteristics of the national culture of a country and its attitude to the environment in Ukraine and Mongolia. Hofstede's method is used comparing the main cultural parameters. The two cultural parameters of Hofstede's approach ('masculinity - femininity' and 'long-term orientation - short-term orientation') largely explain the attitude to ecology in these countries; environmental indicators in Ukraine and Mongolia are suggested for these parameters. This analysis indicates that both countries face an environmental crisis. At the same time, prerequisites for ecological revival exist in the national cultures; they indicate readiness to changes in attitudes towards ecology.