Discuss the extent to which relationships have been shown to differ in different cultures.
Discuss the extent to which relationships have been shown to differ in different cultures (25 marks)
One distinction that has been observed is the difference between individualistic cultures and collectivistic cultures. Individualistic cultures focus on individual gain as opposed to collectivistic cultures that are more about ‘we’ and the importance of group gain, for example in a collectivistic culture family approval might be more important than individual compatibility. Relationships in individualistic cultures have been found to differ from collectivistic cultures in many ways such as: individualistic cultures are more accepting of impermanent relationships. Contrastingly collectivistic cultures have higher uncertainty avoidance and so would want to avoid the risk of divorce especially when there are children involved for the sake of the family. There is a social expectation that a relationship will last in a collectivist culture creating a lot of pressure to stay together as opposed to the attitude in a individualistic culture which holds the view that if a person is unhappy in a relationship they should leave it. In cultures where arranged marriages are the norm there is a difference in the priorities considered when choosing a partner, this will affect the formation and maintenance of the relationship. Priorities in choice will be social status, family relationships and wealth as opposed to individualistic cultures where priority is given to physical attractiveness, compatibility and love.