ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2014, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (6): 1006-1015.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2014.01006

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Regional Difference and Cross-generational Change of Individualism

SU Hong;REN Xiaopeng   

  1. (1 Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China) (2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China)
  • Received:2013-08-27 Online:2014-06-15 Published:2014-06-15
  • Contact: REN Xiaopeng

Abstract:

Individualism, as an important cultural dimension, was defined as a focus on self-independence, personal goals and personal achievements. Three general approaches to measure individualism were self-report, priming cultural frame and tangible cultural products outside the head. Recently, Climato- Economic Theory and Pathogen susceptibility Theory that account for individualism were developed. There were between- and within-culture differences in individualism, which within-culture differences (states, provinces, prefectures within-country) were emphasized. Just as individualism differs across regions, individualism changed over time within-culture. Trends appeared more individualistic in the form of generational change on the basis of big data and objective indicators. Future research should integrate various approaches to measure individualism.

Key words: individualism, independence, collectivism, regional difference, cross-generational change