Nonetheless, the dominant U.S. culture holds certain cultural assumptions that may conflict with those of Latin America. Attempt to learn about the disputants' cultural assumptions and draw the elements from the culture or cultures necessary to effectively resolve the conflict. Such cultures are typically economically developed, capitalist, urban, industrial and often socially mobile. The family structure is typically a nuclear family made of up of one or two parents and a small number of children. Such cultures have a tradition of individualistic thinking and action.
Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility and on the protection of individual rights.
In an individualistic culture, conflict is often considered a normal and inevitable result of an individual's effort to establish his or her place in society. Such cultures consider it permissible for individuals to question or challenge authority and to rebel or manifest their non-conformity with the dominant social paradigms. In individualist cultures such as that of the United States, conflict is seen as an instrument of social change, and is often viewed in a positive light. Conflict is generally perceived as involving one individual against another or the individual versus the group. Such cultures are sometimes characterized by less economic and industrial development and a weaker middle class.