CULTURE: the set of traditions and the way of life that large groups follow Culture can often be defined to Hofstede's (1984) study on cultural dimensions.
Hofstede (1984) LINK
MAINTENANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS: involves the state of keeping a relationship healthy and happy, in a satisfactory condition, preventing and resolving problems
In the UK, 42% of marriages end in divorce, The Telegraph, 2015. India 1.3% of marriages end in divorce, The Hindustan Times, 2015 Cultures and formation of relationships Individualistic, e.g. UK, USA – there is a dating culture, try out potential partners, co-habitation before marriage, choice marriages, choice is made based on individual compatibility, attraction and interest
Collectivist, e.g. India, China – families play a large role in choice of partner and choice is based on what is best for family unit, sometimes involving a dowry, less dating culture and co-habitation, arranged marriages.
WHY? Individualistic cultures encourage responsibility for oneself and the success or failure of a partnership is only a reflection on the individuals involved whereas collectivist cultures value group membership and shared reputations
Culture and maintenance of relationships Long-term orientated cultures (Confucian Dynamism) e.g. Korea are much more tradition in maintaining relationships, gender roles are traditional (Man works, woman cares for home and children), predominantly heterosexual and same-race, low divorce/separation rates, less expression of dissatisfaction in relationship
Short-term orientated cultures, e.g. Sweden, are more progressive, differentiated and flexible, more bisexuality, homosexuality, mixed race relationships, non-tradition family roles, e.g. male househusband, more divorce/separation, equality and open communication used to maintain relationships, mutual respect, rights and responsibility
WHY? Long-term orientated cultures base their lifestyles on tradition and the past, these things are valued and seen as important, they are seen as successful ways to maintain good relationships so change is not seen as necessary whereas short-term orientated cultures believe relationships need to change to adapt to the changing world, its demands and the needs of the family unit
Supporting Studies: Gupta and Singh (1982) Levine et al. (1995) Yelsma & Athappilly (1988) Ahmad & Reid (2008) Canary & Dainton (2003)