Episode 2: Maple Syrup & Masculinity: A Canadian Power Trip
What do Canadian bosses, chicken legs, and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions have in common? Turns out… a lot.
In this episode of Canadian Salad, Andrea and Hostion dive deep (with humour, of course) into Geert Hofstede’s research on Power Distance and Masculinity — two fancy terms that basically explain how societies juggle hierarchy, authority, gender roles, and ambition.
Armed with stats, sarcasm, and the occasional side-eye at capitalism, they explore why Canada scores “low” on power distance but sits smack in the middle for masculinity.
From TD Bank anecdotes and workplace “friend bosses,” to youth activism, immigration trends, and the feminist potential of work-from-home, this episode unpacks how polite Canucks handle power, success, and sharing space at the table.
Spoiler: money might be the world’s biggest chicken leg, hierarchy isn’t always evil, and Canada’s cultural vibe may be more complex (and funnier) than we give it credit for.Tune in for sharp insights, good-natured debate, and plenty of laughs — all with that signature Canadian wink. 🍁🎙️
Episode Sources
Cultural Dimensions - Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Hofstede’s Cultural Framework - Open Library
Country Comparison Tool - The Culture Factor
2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey - Deloitte
Education At A Glance - OECD
Freedom in the World: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy - Freedom House
Cultural Diversity - British Columbia/Yukon Pressbooks
Building a Modern 21st Century Workforce Discussion Paper - Government of Canada
Building a Youth Policy for Canada: What We Heard - Government of Canada
Working from home and public transit use in Canada, 2016 to 2023 - Statistics Canada
Portrait of Youth in Canada: Data Report, Political participation, civic engagement and caregiving among youth in Canada - Statistics Canada
Quiz Sources
Country Comparison Tool - The Culture Factor
A man’s world? Not according to biology or history - National Geographic