Families Across Cultures A 30-Nation Psychological Study [Hardcover]

A detailed psychological study examining the changing role of the family across different cultures.To what degree are families changing throughout the world and what are the implications of family change and psychological aspects of individuals? Using the results of a thirty-nation study, this book seeks to determine similarities and differences in family variables across cultures.To what degree are families changing throughout the world and what are the implications of family change and psychological aspects of individuals? Using the results of a thirty-nation study, this book seeks to determine similarities and differences in family variables across cultures.Contemporary trends such as increased one-parent families, high divorce rates, second marriages and homosexual partnerships have all contributed to variations in the traditional family structure. But to what degree has the function of the family changed and how have these changes affected family roles in cultures throughout the world? This book attempts to answer these questions through a psychological study of families in thirty nations, carefully selected to present a diverse cultural mix. The study utilises both cross-cultural and indigenous perspectives to analyse variables including family networks, family roles, emotional bonds, personality traits, self-construal, and 'family portraits' in which the authors address common core themes of the family as they apply to their native countries. From the introductory history of the study of the family to the concluding indigenous psychological analysis of the family, this book is a source for students and researchers in psychology, sociology and anthropology.Part I: 1. Families and family change James Georgas; 2. Cross-cultural theory and methodology John W. Berry and Ype H. Poortinga; 3. Theoretical perspectives on family change ?igdem Kagit?ibasi; 4. Family portraits from 30 countries: an overview Ype H. Poortinga and James Georgas; 5. Hypotheses John W. BerrlSÔ