Editing Power distance (section)

{{Short description|Strength of social hierarchy}}
{{about|the concept in social dynamics|the geometric distance defined from circles|power of a point}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Original research|date=October 2020}}
{{improve lead|date=October 2020}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Discrimination sidebar|Related}}
'''Power distance''' is the unequal distribution of power between parties, and the level of acceptance of that inequality; whether it is in the family, workplace, or other organizations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hofstede |first=Geert |date=2011-12-01 |title=Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context |url=https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/orpc/vol2/iss1/8 |journal=Online Readings in Psychology and Culture |volume=2 |issue=1 |doi=10.9707/2307-0919.1014 |s2cid=7313352 |issn=2307-0919|doi-access=free }}</ref> 

The concept is used in [[cultural studies]] to understand the relationship between individuals with varying power, and the effect this has on society. It was introduced in the 1970s by [[Geert Hofstede]], who outlined a number of cultural theories throughout his work. 

Members within a power network may accept or reject the power distance within an institution's cultural framework, and the Power Distance Index (PDI) was created to measure the level of acceptance.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=http://db19.linccweb.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/mbmlg/power_distance/0?institutionId=6086 |title=Power Distance. |work=Leadership Glossary: Essential Terms for the 21st Century |publisher=Mission Bell Media |year=2015 |isbn=9780990730002 |editor-last=Mcray |editor-first=Jenni |volume=1st edition |location=Santa Barbara, CA}}</ref> It may be low, moderate, or high.

It is theorized that [[Democracy|democratic governments]] occur most commonly among low power distance societies, where unquestionable hierarchies are not ingrained at an early age, as they tend to be in high power distance societies.