Using one or more research studies,
explain cross-cultural differences in
prosocial behavior.
Sociocultural factors in prosocial
behavior
• Cultural norms,
socialization practices in
the family, and
socioeconomic status are
factors that influence how
and when prosocial (or
altruistic) behavior is
exhibited.
• Children learn cultural
norms and practices from
others through
observation and through
reinforcement.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Sociocultural factors in prosocial
behavior
• Cultural dimensions
such as individualism
and collectivism seem
to influence the degree
to which prosocial
behavior is encouraged
in children.
• Which type do you
think exhibits more
prosocial behavior.?
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Comparison of prosocial behavior in six cultures as a
result of childrearing practices
Whiting and Whiting (1975)
• Naturalistic observation
• The researchers observed
children between the ages
of 3 and 11 years in six
different countries (Kenya,
the Philippines, Japan,
India, Mexico and the USA)
during their daily
interactions with other
people.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Comparison of prosocial behavior in six cultures as a
result of childrearing practices
Whiting and Whiting (1975)
• Results showed consistent
differences in the degree of
prosocial behavior in children
among the studied cultures.
• Children from Mexico, and the
Philippines generally acted more
prosocially than those from
Japan, India, and the USA.
• The most prosocial children
were from the most traditional
society, in rural Kenya.
• The most egoistic children came
from the most complex modern
society, the USA.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
WHY?
• One important difference was
how much children participated
in household chores and in the
care of younger children.
• In the most prosocial cultures
people tended to live together
in extended families, the female
role was important, and
women’s contribution to the
family’s economy was greater.
• In these cultures women
delegated more responsibility
to their children.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Why?
• In cultures (e.g. the USA)
where children are paid to
do household chores or
don’t participate at all, the
same degree of prosocial
behavior was not
observed.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Modernization
• The results overall
indicate that degree of
modernization
influences prosocial
behavior.
• This was attributed to
different child-rearing
patterns and cultural
dimensions such as
individualism and
collectivism.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Cultural norms and moral values
influence the perception of social responsibility
Miller et al. (1990)
• The researchers interviewed
400 individuals (adults and
children) on what to do in
hypothetical situations
where a person had failed
to help someone in need.
• The situations were either
life threatening, moderately
serious, or a minor threat.
• The participants in this
cross-cultural study were
North Americans and Hindu
Indians.
Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
behavior.
Cultural norms and moral values
influence the perception of social responsibility
Miller et al. (1990)
• Hindu Indians tended to
see it as a moral duty to
help in all situations.
• North American
participants tended to view
social responsibility and
helping as personal choice.
• Adults in the USA were also
more likely to say that liking
the person in need affected
their moral responsibility to Using one or more research studies, explain
cross-cultural differences in prosocial
help the person.
behavior.