Conversations with individuals who have moved away from Egypt, or similarly tight-knit societies, to more individualistic countries in Europe or North America often reveal a shared narrative: a feeling of alienation due to a lack of warmth and solidarity in times of need, juxtaposed with a cherished newfound sense of independence. Yearning for Togetherness “You do gain the freedom to make decisions without consulting the whole household,” shares Zeina Karim, an Egyptian student residing in Germany. “But at the end of the day, you can’t help but miss the unconditional support from family and community,” she continues. “There is an initial shock. In Egypt, it’s normal to greet someone every five minutes while walking down the street, but in Europe, you can go for days without exchanging a word with anyone outside your circle,” Adel Yakout, another Egyptian student living in Germany, tells Egyptian Streets. The evident shock in these expats’ words arises from crossing arguably one of the most profound cultural rifts of the modern world: the dichotomy of collectivism and individualism. Extensively studied in cross-cultural psychology, it is termed the “deep structure of cultural differences” by psychologist Patricia…
The Cost of Belonging: Exploring Conformity in Egypt’s Collectivist Society
August 5, 2023
