Implications of Cross-cultural Findings for a Theory of Family Socialisation

• Published in: Journal of moral education Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 299 - 310
• Main Authors: Rudy, Duane, Grusec, Joan E., Wolfe, Janis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.1999; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavioural aspects; Child development; Child Rearing; Children; Collectivism; Comparative Analysis; Compliance (Psychology); Crosscultural studies; Cultural Context; Cultural Traits; Culture; Emotional aspects; Emotional Experience; Ethical Instruction; Factors; Families & family life; Higher Education; Individualism; Moral Development; Moral Education; Morality; Parent Child Relationship; Parenting; Parenting Styles; Parents; Personal Autonomy; Personal relationships; Researchers; Social Behavior; Social Responsibility; Socialization; Theory
• ISSN: 0305-7240; 1465-3877
• DOI: 10.1080/030572499103098

Traditional approaches to understanding the behavioural and emotional aspects of moral development are described. Research from other cultures is reviewed which suggests that the greater valuation of authoritative over authoritarian approaches in our own (individualist) culture may not hold in other cultures. This may be because individualist cultures have different goals from collectivist cultures (autonomy vs. interdependence) and because negative parenting affect and cognitions associated with authoritarian or power assertive rearing in our own culture may not be associated with authoritarian practices in other cultures. Data are presented indicating that autonomy support is valued more highly than power assertion as a socialisation technique in an individualist group but not a collectivist group. Implications for parenting and moral education are provided.