Importance of Life Domains in Different Cultural Groups

• Published in: The American journal of psychology 2008-03, Vol.121 (1), p.35-46
• Main Authors: Elizur, Dov, Kantor, Jeffrey, Yaniv, Eyal, Sagie, Abraham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis; Arabs - psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Civilization; Collectivism; Collectivism (Economics); Cross-Cultural Comparison; Cultural differences; Cultural groups; Cultural values; Culture; Ethnic groups; European Continental Ancestry Group - psychology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Goals; Health aspects; Homes; Humans; Individualism; Individuality; Israel; Jews - psychology; Judaism; Male; Medical care; Medical care (Private); Middle Eastern politics; Palestinian Arabs; Palestinian people; Politics; Psychological aspects; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Questionnaires; Religion; Social groups; Social Identification; Social psychology; Social Sciences; Social structure and organization; Social Values; Sports; Students - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Values
• ISSN: 0002-9556; 1939-8298
• DOI: 10.2307/20445442

This study assessed the role of individualism and collectivism in the shaping of personal values of Canadians, Israelis, and Palestinians. Based on Sagie and Elizur’s (1996) multifaceted approach, we distinguished personal values that are individual centered (i.e., associated with one’s home, family, or work) from collective-centered values (i.e., associated with the religion, sports, or politics). The magnitude of the difference between both value types differs according to cultural orientation. As compared with Palestinians, we predicted that Canadians and Israelis would rank individual-centered values higher and collective-centered values lower. Data obtained from samples of Palestinians, Israelis, and Canadians supported this hypothesis.