Intergenerational Value Transmission Based on Culture

Abstract

This study explored the way in which culture impacts value transmission between parents and children. Specifically, I used previous literature to inform the defining of individualism and collectivism and how value transmission allows for these cultures to be preserved through the generations. Transmission of values was analyzed by conducting six semi-structured, in-depth interviews which resulted in findings that built on previous literature. I found that the values that the participants held came from cultural, parental and religious influences. Collectivist participants more consistently identified with maintaining similar values as their parents into adulthood while individualist participants reported more autonomous tendencies in value selection. Additionally, religion emerged as a common theme, and I found that individualist participants exhibited some collectivist value tendencies due to religion. These findings allow us to determine whether our values originate from culture, religion or other influences. More importantly, the findings serve as a guide for parents across all cultures who intentionally seek to instill good values in their children. Individualism and CollectivismIndividualism and collectivism are cultural ideologies that influence our behaviors and lifestyles. The two have been compared and contrasted for centuries and continue to be the focal point in cultural studies, psychology and communication. Individualism and collectivism can be considered the backbones of the value system which a society has because they determine cultural expectations (Triandis, 2001). In order to better understand these ideologies I will first define each, after which we will narrow down the scope to discuss individualism and collectivism within the parameters of the study -parenting and transmission of values in the context of individualism and collectivism.