How Does Culture Affect Attachment Styles?
Cultural Variations
The Sensitivity Hypothesis
In the attachment theoretical framework, caregivers’ sensitive responsiveness to children’s needs determines safety, development of bodily function etc.
Cultures differ in what I consider “mother’s sensitivity”
Some mothers in certain cultures are more attentive to their children due to cultural values and preferences
Some mothers in certain cultures are less attentive or value independence and autonomy due to cultural values and preferences
The Competence Hypothesis
To raise a competent child to ultimately become a competent adult should be a goal for parents, although how you define a competent individual in a particular society is likely to differ.
Competence varies from culture to culture
Collectivistic cultures put more importance of the competence of the child to fit in with the collective than does individualistic culture
The Secure Base Hypothesis
According to Rothbaum et al. (2000), the secure base hypothesis primarily focuses on a link between attachment and exploration.
For example: Japanese babies explored less than American babies.
A child’s ability to show attachment and dependent behaviors is more appropriate and valued in Japan
Critiques Of Attachment Theory
Developed in Western middle class culture and therefore not fully applicable for other cultures, societies and groups
Developed in a traditional mother-infant, nuclear family context
Results from Israeli, Dutch and east African studies show children with multiple caregivers grow up not only feeling secure, but developed "more enhanced capacities to view the world from multiple perspectives.
In hunter-gatherer communities several group members (with or without blood relation) contribute to the task of bringing up a child, creating multiple attachment bonds
References
Rothbaum, F., Weisz, J., Pott, M., Miyake, K., & Morelli, G. (2000). Attachment and culture: Security in the United States and Japan. American Psychologist, 55(10), 1093–1104. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.10.1093