Culture in MBTI

[Butterfly]

I am just curious about the role of different cultures in assessment of MBTI.

I am critical of MBTI, as I think it does not take various cultural factors into play: this includes local cultures, religions, beliefs, norms within society.

For example: A person from mainland China is bound to be reserved, polite, bhuddist, respecting authority, non-talkative, etc regardless of their MBTI types.

May be I dont much about it, But Am I wrong to assume MBTI is very western centric??

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by Butterfly

For example: A person from mainland China is bound to be reserved, polite, bhuddist, respecting authority, non-talkative, etc regardless of their MBTI types.

Do you think extroverts do not exist in China, as per MBTI, and that all of China is introverted?

Or is it possible that nervous system wiring still distinguishes between extrovert and introvert, but the culture influences just channel it differently so extroversion is suppressed except within socially appropriate situations?

Realistically, if someone in China was extroverted, how are some ways it could manifest itself specifically within that culture?

[Kiddo]

ByMySword is an INFJ from Texan culture who holds views and ideas that I've heard expressed plenty by INTJs, but never by an INFJ. In fact, before encountering him on this forum, I felt that those views conflicted completely with what it meant to be an INFJ. It's hard to imagine what cultural experiences have led him to develop his beliefs, but it does testify to the role culture plays despite MBTI assessment.

[edel weiss]

As an Indian, I think that my culture is not very conducive to ENTP's. In urban areas it does not make that much of a difference, but it still does have some effect. Society plays a very important role, and people are expected to conform, especially when it comes to marriage. The institution of arranged marriages, for example, goes against my beliefs - It's like getting married for the sake of the situation, not the person.

NT'ness is not much appreciated in girls, especially when it comes out in the form of an argumentative woman. Enthusiasm in front of people you don't know very well and witty jokes that may border on inappropriate lines are also frowned upon. (I really can't help them, they just come out spontaneously...)

And of course, our education system thrives on SJ's.

I'm not sure how much of this is culture-specific, but I do think that culture plays a role, even if not in the type of personality, atleast in the manifestation of it.

[JAVO]

Yes, most MBTI profiles are very oriented to Western culture, but that's because they're written for those in that culture, or at least familiar with it.

I don't see any reason to think the MBTI types themselves wouldn't be valid in any given culture. We just have to keep the culture in mind as an influence on behavior and preferences.