A cross-cultural study of some social concepts of English and Greek subjects

Abstract

In this study, an attempt was made to compare the attitudes of young Greek and English people towards four social concepts: "Ideal Man", "Ideal Woman", "Happy Marriage" and "Success in Life". The technique used was one formulated on the basis of the Triandis "Antecedent-Consequent Method of Concept Evaluation". This was administered to 3 different socioeconomic groups of young people of both sexes in England and Greece. The groups of subjects were matched as much as was possible, given the somewhat substantial social and cultural differences between the two countries. As was expected, the Greek sample exhibited a more traditional approach to the concepts dealt with, although the general degree of difference in attitudes was smaller than was expected. The most significant differences arise with the concept "Ideal Man", Greek subjects emphasize self-confidence, achievement and hard work, whereas the English subjects emphasize qualities in the social context of interaction and acceptance. Conceptions of the "Ideal Man" are much the same in both countries, as is the case with "Happy Marriage", with the exception of the importance of a good sexual relationship which is emphasized less by the Greeks. Finally, there are differences with the concept "Success in Life". Greeks display an achievement oriented attitude characterized by material success and impressing others, whereas the English emphasize good personal relationships, love and friendship.