Cultural variations in attachment Flashcards
What is the difference between individualistic and collectivist cultures
Personal independence, achievement at the expense of others, competition.
Family and work goals over competition, interdependence
van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s research (1988) (procedure)
Meta-analysis on 32 studies measuring attachment type using Strange Situation.
Done across 8 countries
15 of the studies done in US
Over 2000 babies studied
van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg’s research (1988) (findings)
Secure most common in all cultures
Germany highest number of avoidant children
There was 1.5 times more variation within cultures than between cultures
More insecure classified in collectivist cultures
vI&K EVAL-: Imposed Etic
Designed by US for US
May not be valid for different countries
vI&K EVAL+: Ethical
Although the SS may be seen as unethical, meta analysis is ethically sound
vI&K EVAL-: Sample size
Some samples very small
Only one study in Sweden+Britain
May not be valid to base a conclusion on a whole nation
vI&K EVAL-: Individual/Collectivist cultures
27 in individualistic
5 in collectivist
Sample may not be truly representative
Grossman (1985)
GER children more avoidant
Germans value independence?
Simonelli et al. (2014)
ITA children 26, 12mo baby
B-50% A-36%
Mum works +hours and use professional childcare
Jin et al. (2012)
87 children
Proportion broadly similar
Most insecure Type C
Takahashi (1990)
60 12mo old middle class
A-0% B-68% C-32%
All children distressed at separation
EVALS: Takahashi (1990)
Cross cultural differences in raising children produce different reactions to SS
Only middle class, not rep.
Raised ethical issues
90% didn’t complete whole procedure
Findings of all studies together
Secure attachments mode
Supports Bowlby’s innate attachment universal
Culture does have influence
