Relationship-Specific Closeness of Intergenerational Family Ties

Findings from Evolutionary Psychology and Implications for Models of Cultural Transmission

Bibliographic Data

ID2313751
AuthorsHarald A Euler (University of Kassel), Harald Α Euler (0000-0002-1099-8818, University of Kassel, corresponding author), Sabine Hoier (University of Kassel), Percy A Rohde (University of Kassel)
Year2001
Volume32
Issue2
Pages147-158
Publication date2001-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-0221 • E-ISSN: 1552-5422
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0022022101032002003
OpenAlexW2138088818
LanguageEN
Citations received38
References cited44

Cross-generational cultural transmission is facilitated by affectional ties between cultural model and recipient. A theory of cultural transmission must therefore account for how and why affectional ties vary between different dyadic relationships. Findings on the tie strengths of several intergenerational kin dyads (grandparent- grandchild, grandparent-parent, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew) as rated by recipients of kin investment (adult grandchildren or nieces/nephews) are presented, based on several studies with altogether more than 3,000 participants between 16 and 80 years old. The relationship structures were dyad specific; asymmetrical with a tilt to the maternal side; robust; and predictable from reproductively relevant variables of the kinpersons involved, namely, sex-specific reproductive strategy, paternity uncertainty, and genetic closeness. Implications for the study of intrafamilial cultural transmission are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of evolutionary theory for this research field

Aunt · Biology · Closeness · Cultural transmission in animals · Developmental psychology · Dyad · Grandchild · Grandparent · Kinship · Nephew and niece · Political science · Sociology · Cultural Differences and Values · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Genetics · Psychology · Social Psychology