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About Me

My name is Sergio Held, I'm 20 years old. I study public accounting. I like to swim and go to cinema. I consider a natural lover. I like to pass time with my family.

ICELAND

                                  

                             My first idea about Iceland and some stereotypes

Without searching on the internet, I think that Iceland is a country with blonde people and that they usually wear coats because of the cold. And they are people who like fishing because they are on an island. I will need to search on the internet to can give a real information from this country.  Some stereotypes that I've listened are that exist vikings. This ideas come from books, series and movies that i've seen.

Gender Roles In Iceland

How is the role of men?

How is the role of women?

Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s survey for gender equality. Out of 144 countries, this small island has ranked number one in political empowerment amongst women, number one for closing the gender income gap and boasts corporate quotas which ensure women currently hold 44% of representation on company boards. 

                                             

Gender Stereotypes: Colombia vs Iceland

Talking about gender stereotypes, we can see that there is a big difference. On the one hand, we have the country with the most gender equality in the world. Iceland is the first nation in the world to equalize the rights of men and women. Today more than 40 percent of its parliament is made up of women. In 2013, it was established that all institutions and companies with more than 50 employees should have at least 40 percent of one of the two sexes on their boards of directors. On the other hand, In Colombia the wage gaps in the country are larger, it is proven that between men and women, men obtain better wages. 54% of those who graduate from higher education are women. But they continue to receive 18% less salary. Making clear a big difference between Icelandic culture and ours.

Similarities-differences 

Hofstede scores :  Colombia vs Iceland

About hofstede scores, we can see some similarities like in section "Indulgence", both have high levels of indulgence, that means that they possess a positive attitude and have a tendency towards optimism. In addition, they place a higher degree of importance on leisure time, act as they please and spend money as they wish.  On the other hand we can see in Colombia that the equality is something that rarely pass. In Iceland the "masculanity" present low levels because in this country the equality is almost 100%, that means that the managers strive for consensus, people value equality, solidarity and quality in their working lives. Conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation. About "power distance" Colombia have scores high so it is a society that believes that inequalities amongst people are simply a fact of life. In iceland "power distance" is very low score of 30, it is clear that in Iceland Both managers and employees expect to be consulted and information is shared frequently. At the same time, communication is informal, direct and participative. 

Colombia is among the lowest "Individualist" scores; in other words, it lies amongst the most collectivistic cultures in the world. Iceland have a high score of 60 in this dimension indicates that it is a highly Individualist culture, means that people look after themselves and their immediate families. Iceland’s low score of 50 show that their plans can be altered at short notice and improvisations made.  People are fairly relaxed and like to taking risks. There is a larger degree of acceptance for new ideas, innovative products and a willingness to try something new or different.  Colombia has a high score on "Uncertainty Avoidance" which means that there are rules for everything and social conservatism enjoys a lot a followers,  it is difficult to change the status quo, unless a figure of authority try to change it. Talking about long term orientation, both countries have a strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth; they are normative in their thinking. They exhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity to save for the future, and a focus on achieving quick results.

Model Lewis

After reading all the hofstede scores, I think that Iceland is a multi-active  country, they are happy people who do many things at once, planning their priorities not taking into account a time schedule, preferring to achieve their responsibilities depending on an emotion or the importance of each appointment. 

Culture In Iceland

The culture of Iceland is rich and varied, being known for its literary heritage and love of literature, art, chess, and other intellectual pursuits. Other Icelandic traditional arts include weaving, silversmithing, and wood carving. Has several professional theatres,  symphony orchestra and many art galleries, bookstores, cinemas and museums. Iceland's literacy rate is among the highest in the world.

Icelanders are proud of their Viking heritage and Icelandic language and take great care to preserve their traditions. According to a 2005 New York Times article, the majority of Icelanders are unwilling to rule out the existence of elves.  Icelandic society and culture has a high degree of equality talking about gay rights legislation and gender equality, exist gay couples having been able to register civil unions, adopt and marry . And about gender equality exist many women in leadership positions in government and business. Iceland also has the most extensive and progressive child protection law.  In 2006, Iceland was ranked as the fourth happiest nation in the world by an independent scientific study.

Problems if an icelander come to study in Barranquilla

Iceland and Colombia have many similarities, one of them is their happy people, but there are also some differences. One of the obvious problems would be the language, in Iceland their language is Icelandic, so they must learn Spanish. The Icelandic will have to adapt to pay for the water, because in Iceland the water for the houses is totally free. On the other hand, an Icelandic should know that Barranquilla there is less security than in Iceland.  This is one of the safest countries in the world where the army is not necessary, some fact that in our country don't pass. An Icelander should know that the LGBTI issue in Colombia is not yet as advanced as in his country. And that when visiting Barranquilla you can see the social differences between rich and poor. In some areas of Barranquilla the rich will live (north) and the poor in others (south).

Subcultures In Iceland

1) Punk

The punk movement is the culture that surrounds punk music and fans of it. The punk practices include a series of behavior codes (they like made parties with a lot of alcohol), language, clothing (always black in their clothes) and themes that distinguish them as their unusual haircuts. Their main means of expression are concerts and amateur publications on Internet pages.

2) Ásatrú (Ásatrúarfélagið)

It is an official Icelandic religious organization that was founded on 1972, they perform ceremonies legally and collect a portion of the church tax. This religion recognizes many gods such as Thor, the god of thunder, Odin, the father of all gods, Njord god of the sea, among others. It is the largest non-Christian religious organization in Iceland and has some 3,583 members, representing more than 1% of the total population.