The USA is iconic for its individualistic thinking and China for its collectivism.
After much observation, I think Spain is somewhere in between and here's why.
In the streets of New York City, during lunch time, people are rushing from one meeting to another, grab a sandwich on the way and stuff it in their mouths without even thinking.
Here individual achievement is the measure of all gratification and sometimes I feel that wanting to be different from everyone else makes everyone seem the same.
In the streets of Madrid for example, lunch time (2 to 5 pm) pretty much means everything besides restaurants are closed for 'siesta'. People sit down to eat a full meal with appetizer, dessert and coffee.
In general, family is more important yet individuality also matters. Spaniards socialize with their co-workers or connect with their families. Enjoying your time off of work is more valuable than your afternoon meeting.
Children tend to live with their parents way into their twenties and sometimes thirties! American children start working at a very young age and are encouraged to move out of the house as soon as possible.
Spaniards love to get physically close when having a conversation even when it is with just an acquaintance, personal space is not as restricted as it is for Americans.
As in a lot of places, globalization is taking its course in Spain. Stores are now opening during siesta time and more and more people do not take the time to eat due to a growing number of fast food chains and the demand for a comparable productivity to other countries such as the UK and the USA.
Perhaps this is why Spain is so special. People value their family and leisure time more than work, yet they also maintain a very unique pride in being who they are and they have been able to create some of the most successful world brand names (Inditex/Zara, Lladro, Camper, Balay, Repsol).
Individualistic thinking can lead to stress and an unhappy lifestyle. Maybe the Spanish laziness is the way to go!
