Final answer:
Hofstede's cultural dimension that characterizes societies with less restriction on gratification is Indulgence. This dimension contrasts with Restraint and affects society's overall behavior and norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : D
The cultural dimension identified by Hofstede that characterizes societies that put less restraint on gratification of basic human drives is Indulgence. Indulgence versus Restraint (IVR) is one of the dimensions in Hofstede's model that describes a society's tendency to allow relatively free gratification of basic and natural human desires related to enjoying life and having fun. On the other hand, a society that suppresses gratification of needs and regulates it through strict social norms is characterized by Restraint.
Cultures that value indulgence are more likely to prioritize leisure time, act freely upon their impulses, and allow for relatively free fulfilment of feelings and desires. This contrasts with retrained societies, where there is a need for controlling gratification and where strict social norms are more prevalent. These characteristics play a role in the happiness, well-being, and even the economic development of societies, as they influence behavior, interactions, and ultimately, the societal worldview.