A COMPARISON OF FAMILY VALUES AMONG CHINESE, MEXICAN, AND AMERICAN-COLLEGE STUDENTS

This study examined reported values about family in the United States, Taiwan and Mexico. Data on a 45-item Cultural Values Survey were coll ected from 124 Caucasian Americans, 138 Mexican, and 193 Chinese unive rsity students in their respective countries. Results indicated that A mericans attached less importance to family, felt less macho, believed more in sexual equality, and were more independent. Chinese students scored highest on temporal farsightedness (emphasis on ancestral linea ge and future descendants) and lowest on conscience. Mexican students scored between the other two groups. In addition to cultural differenc es, there were gender differences on these values. For example, Chines e women were the most traditional on sex role attitudes, but were high er on independence than Chinese men. Implications of these findings we re discussed in terms of the degree of modernization ad questions abou t future values.