Cultural Individualism Is Linked to Later Onset of Adult-Role Responsibilities Across Time and Regions. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Twenge, Jean M.; Campbell, W. Keith
• Is Part Of: Journal of cross-cultural psychology. Volume 49:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 682
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: cultural psychology -- developmental -- economic conditions -- individualism -- life history theory; Ethnopsychology -- Periodicals; 155.805
• DOI: 10.1177/0022022118764838
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0221

Abstract

This article explores links between cultural individualism and the age at which adult-role responsibilities are assumed (the speed of maturation to adulthood). Across 43 years (1973-2015) within the United States, yearly indicators of individualism were positively correlated with later onset of work and family responsibilities (a slow life strategy). The same pattern appeared cross-culturally: Across 53 nations, cultural individualism was significantly correlated with slower maturation to adulthood. These links remained over time and cross-culturally when unemployment rate, an indicator of economic strength, was included in the model. Analyses including GDP showed mixed results, suggesting a complex relationship between economic indicators, individualism, and maturation to adulthood. Across nations and time, more individualistic cultures are also those with slower maturation to adulthood (a slow life strategy).