tightness versus looseness

n. A polar dimension of a cultural group with rigid adherence to cultural norms on one end and flexible adherence to norms on the other end. Cultures that are tight tend to be homogeneous, aggressive toward other cultures, and punitive toward those who transgress the norms. Loose cultures tend to be more heterogeneous in membership and to value originality, creativity, risk taking, and inclusiveness and to be tolerant toward other cultures and toward individuals who transgress norms.