Family Structure, Social Class and Cultural Values

Abstract

The comparative method is a potentially fruitful method of analysis for testing the universality of specific social values among differing cultures as well as converging patterns of behavior when social groups are subject to similar pressures. However, sources of error are grossly compounded in cross-cultural research.; This paper examines some of the methodological issues as well as substantive and theoretical assumptions using extant comparative research data. Attention is also drawn to the consequences for analysis of a failure on the part of the researcher to appreciate the historical perspective.