Cross-Cultural Differences in a Global “Survey of World Views”

Abstract

We know that there are cross-cultural differences in psychological variables, such as individualism/collectivism. But it has not been clear which of these variables show relatively the greatest differences. The Survey of World Views project operated from the premise that such issues are best addressed in a diverse sampling of countries representing a majority of the world’s population, with a very large range of item-content. Data were collected online from 8,883 individuals (almost entirely college students based on local publicizing efforts) in 33 countries that constitute more than two third of the world’s population, using items drawn from measures of nearly 50 variables. This report focuses on the broadest patterns evident in item data. The largest differences were not in those contents most frequently emphasized in cross-cultural psychology (e.g., values, social axioms, cultural tightness), but instead in contents involving religion, regularity-norm behaviors, family roles and living arrangements, and ethnonationalism. Content not often studied cross-culturally (e.g., materialism, Machiavellianism, isms dimensions, moral foundations) demonstrated moderate-magnitude differences. Further studies are needed to refine such conclusions, but indications are that cross-cultural psychology may benefit from casting a wider net in terms of the psychological variables of focus.

The Relationship between Family Values and Ethnonationalism in Relation to East Africa (Sub-Saharan)

“…It is these experiences within cultural groups that translate into meaningful similarities and differences when bringing different cultures under study. In an attempt to refine variables that truly give enough reliability to distinguish between cultures; this paper is congruent with Saucier et al [1] in their statement that cross-cultural research would benefit from a consideration of cultural or contextual elements that facilitate well-being or thriving in those communities under consideration. To gain an understanding and perspective on the set of cultural differences that account for more specific and unique attributes of cultures observed, we carefully selected variables that give a description of the countries' culture and heritage.…”

“…By contrast, results proved support for behaviour and beliefs indicating devotion to religion, ethnonationalism, hierarchal family values, and family oriented collectivism as key locations for crosscultural differences [1]. Saucier et al [1] recommend that further studies are needed to refine such conclusions.…”

“…Saucier et al [1] recommend that further studies are needed to refine such conclusions. Furthermore, there is a gap evident between population differences in excess of what is typical for psychological variables.…”

“…The survey used items drawn from measures of nearly 50 variables drawn from 17 distinct sources, each involving, in some way, shared beliefs, values, and norms that might be shared across persons [1]. For the purpose of this study we consider the following two sources to guide the selection of variables.…”

“…This instrument compromises four items capturing ethnonationalism as in the theory of Anthony D. Smith, and two items capturing a multiculturalist civic nationalism [1].…”