Cultural variations in attachment

Cultural variations in attachment

1. Research from different countries

   • Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenerg
     • Meta analysis, 32 studies, 8 different countries, strange situation
       • Babies were classed into type A,B or C
         • Type B, secure, most common form. lowest in china 50% highest in GB 75%
           • Type A, avoidant, more common in west Germany 35% rare in Israel 6.8%
             • Type C, ambivalent, common in japan 27.1% Sweden had the lowest 3.9%
       • Methodological issues
         • Most studies were in the US reflecting their dominance
           • The majority of studies were in individualistic cultures only 5 were in collectivist, it isn't truly representative

2. How do these findings relate to child rearing methods

   • The results show attachment types vary between and within different cultures
     • Babies are brought up in different ways. Different attributes and qualities may be instilled in them depending on the values of their culture
       • For example in Japan babies are rarely separated from their mothers so cry when their mothers leave, leading them to be classified as ambivalent
         • It is important to recognise cultural differences without assuming the way babies are reared in one culture is superior to another
         • Babies are more likely to be labelled as avoidant in western European countries where independence is encouraged

3. Individualistic cultures

   • Those where personal independence and achievement are valued. Examples include Germany and North America

4. Collectivist cultures

   • Those where there is a high degree of interdependence between people. Examples include China and Japan