Intersubjective model of value transmission: parents using perceived norms as reference when socializing children

Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2012 Aug;38(8):1041-52. doi: 10.1177/0146167212443896. Epub 2012 Apr 26.

Abstract

What values do parents want to transmit to children? The intersubjective model of value transmission posits that parents want to transmit not only the values they personally endorse but also the values they perceive to be normatively important in the society. The present research shows support to this premise. Furthermore, Studies 1 and 2 revealed that the use of perceived norms is moderated by families' social contexts and parents' personality: It was particularly pronounced among parents who were immigrants, who had a stronger need for closure, and who were more conforming. In addition, Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated that parents' perceived norms can explain actual value transmission: Values parents perceived to be normatively important were to some extent internalized by children. The intersubjective model paves some new directions for value transmission research, contributes to the understanding of cultural transmission and cultural change, and extends the intersubjective approach to culture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Culture
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intergenerational Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Parents* / psychology
  • Personality*
  • Psychological Theory
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Values*
  • Socialization*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult