The dialectics of universalism and particularism

World society, religious traditions, and women's political representation, 1960-2013

Bibliographic Data

ID2356123
AuthorsW M Cole (0000-0001-5095-8645, University of Utah, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume37
Issue1
Pages3-30
Publication date2022-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0268-5809 • E-ISSN: 1461-7242
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0268580921993324
OpenAlexW3215792794
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited60

This study develops a model of macro-cultural identity inspired by the work of George Herbert Mead. The model puts world society theory, which emphasizes the homogenizing effects of 'world culture,' into conversation with civilization-analytic perspectives, which contend that religious and civilizational differences grow increasingly salient over time. The author regards these approaches as dialectically co-implicated. To test the model, the article analyzes cross-cultural heterogeneity in the effects of world society linkages on women's share of parliamentary seats between 1960 and 2013. Countries are grouped into cultural zones based primarily on religious composition and secondarily on geographical region. The results generally support world society theory. Contrary to civilization-analytic perspectives, cultural resistance to women's representation is most pronounced early but fades over time. Despite overall increases in women's representation, there is little cross-cultural convergence, giving rise to improvement without isomorphism. The study concludes with a refined model of world society effects

Aesthetics · Civilization · Dialectic · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Gender Politics and Representation · Gender Studies · Law · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religious Education and Schools