The nature of relationships in different culturesDefine the term culture . Can animals be said to have culture? What are collectivist and individualistic cultures? What are the key differences between relationships in different cultures?

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The nature of relationships in different culturesDefine the terms culture , collectivist and individualistic cultures. Describe how marriages are arranged in many cultures. Describe and evaluate research into the success of arranged marriages, including in western countries. Consider culture bias in relationship research. Discuss issues surrounding the paying of dowries in come cultures. 2

Do animals have culture?http://www.crows.net/culture.html http://users.ox.ac.uk/~kgroup/tools/crow_nat ural_history.shtml

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The cultural differences in interpersonal relationships remind us that scientists, like everyone else, are socialised within a given culture The cultural values and environmental conditions in North America have led Northern American social psychologists to be primarily concerned with first-time acquaintances, friendships and intimate relationships. Modhaddam et al (1993)

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Individualist vs CollectivistAn American asks How does my heart feel? A Chinese asks What will other people say? . Hsu (1981)

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CultureShared, learned beliefs, values and social behaviours characterising a group. Collectivist cultures: the group, family, tribe etc is of paramount importance. Fulfilling obligations to the group is more important than personal happiness. Individualistic cultures: the individual is of paramount importance. The individual has a right to be happy and fulfilled.6

Your CultureWhat cultural and sub-cultural groupings do you belong to? What are the values of these groups (in general, and with reference to relationships in particular)? Do different groups that you belong to have conflicting values? If so how do you deal with this?7

Differences in relationships between culturesHow are romantic relationships viewed in collectivist and individualistic cultures?

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Differences in relationships between culturesWhat are arranged marriages? What are forced marriages? What does it mean to say that relationships in some cultures are obligatory, permanent and collectivist ?

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Relationships in collectivist culturesMoghaddam et al (1993)Obligatory Permanent Collectivist (chosen by others) (no divorce) (alliances between families or other groups)

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Research into arranged marriagesAccording to Batabyal (2001) what are the roles of well wishers and the agent in arranging a marriage? How do modern arranged marriages differ from those in the past? How successful are arranged marriages?Describe and evaluate research into arranged and love marriages in India and China.11

Emic and Etic ConstructsA construct is a concept, model or method used by psychologists to investigate a question. Emic constructs are universal they apply equally well to all people. Etic constructs are specific to particular cultures. Culture bias arises when etic constructs are assumed to be emic. E.g. IQ tests and probably the strange situation were assumed to be emic, but are actually etic. Explain why.12

Evaluating research into arranged marriagesUse the concept of imposed etics to criticise research into arranged marriages. In what way is relationship research in general guilty of culture bias? What assumptions about relationships make the research conducted in the USA and Europe culturally biased?

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Arranged marriages in individualistic culturesWhat are acculturation? acculturation-stress? Integration? Assimilation? Separation? Marginalisation?

What does recent research tell us about attitudes to arranged marriages in western countries?14

Homework for Thursday

th 25

Nov

Discuss research into relationships in different cultures 25 marks

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Economics of marriage in other culturesWhat are dowries and bride prices?

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Dowries in IndiaExplain why:Dowries were banned by an act of parliament in 1961. The giving of dowries continues to take place.What is the evidence for this?

This is considered a serious human rights issue.

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