Measuring context-specific collectivism: The Metzian Ubuntu Inventory

Abstract

Cultural values are often used to categorise groups, e.g. individualism versus collectivism. Often when cultural values are measured, etic scales are used without giving attention to cultural value nuances, e.g. different types of collectivism. An example of a nuanced cultural value is found in the interpretation of ubuntu as a context-specific presentation of collectivism in South Africa. In this article, which may be viewed as an instance of experimental philosophy, the concept of ubuntu will be introduced based on the work of the philosopher Thaddeus Metz by focusing on the distinct aspects of harmonious relationships of identity and solidarity. The theoretical basis was used to develop and validate the Metzian Ubuntu Inventory (MUI) with a sample of 316 respondents. This scale consists of nine items, and has reliability and validity in the South African context. In the conclusion, possible applications of the MUI are suggested.