A cultural index derived by sociologist Geert Hofstede. Contrary to its name, it has more to do with just gender roles. The name is also quoted by some as Achievement Cultures vs Nurturing Cultures. Japan is the world's most masculine society, with a rating of 95, while Sweden is the most feminine society, with a rating of 5.

Other "masculine" cultures are USA, the German-speaking world, Ireland, United Kingdom, Mexico and Italy.

"Feminine" cultures are the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Korea and Portugal.

Like all of Hofstedes ratings, this characteristic is something that is engrained in the cultural mindset.

An American woman, for example, may have more "masculine" values than a Dutch man, just as a Swedish man may be more concerned with women's rights than an Italian woman.

Characteristics of a masculine culture:

• a tendency to admire achievement and wealth
• in politics, conflicts are solved by aggression
• the belief that it's more important for men than women to have a professional career
• a low number of women represented in politics
• professionals often "live to work"

Characteristics of a feminine culture:

• admiration of nurturance and environmental protection
• conflicts solved by negotiation, with aggression as a last resort
• the belief that women are as entitled to a profession the same way men are
• a high number of women in politics
• professionals "work to live"