Between simpatia and malandragem: Brazilian jeitinho as an individual difference variable

PLoS One. 2019 Apr 15;14(4):e0214929. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214929. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Culture-specific behaviour strategies provide an interesting window into individual differences research, producing a richer conceptualization of personality descriptions. Our aim is to describe the personality dimensions linked to a core socio-cultural behaviour pattern in Brazil: jeitinho. To reach this goal we conducted four studies. Our first set of studies (1a, 1b and 1c) examined the underlying structure of jeitinho as an individual difference variable and its nomological network with social values, the Big-Five, moral attitudes, and social dominance orientation. In Study 2, we confirm this structure and relate personal jeitinho to perceptions of jeitinho norms. Results demonstrated that personal jeitinho has two dimensions: Jeitinho Simpático is an individual's tendency to seek positive social interactions, avoid conflict, and find creative solutions; and Jeitinho Malandro captures behaviours such as the use of deception and trickery. These two behaviours are rooted in the same dimensions of the integrated model of values and personality.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Deception*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morals*
  • Social Dominance*
  • Social Values*

Grants and funding

The author RP received grants to this research from Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES - www.capes.gov.br – Grant 5802/2016-06) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq - www.cnpq.br – Grant 308268/2016-4). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.