Economic Systems, Child Rearing Practices and Personality Development

In: The American journal of economics and sociology, Volume 37, Issue 1, p. 9-24

Abstract

Abstract. Traditional Weberian theory posits that the values inherent in particular religious ideologies give rise, at least in some societies, to attitudes predisposing individuals towards a particular type of economic organization. In conjunction with this, McClelland postulates that socialization practices mediate and inculcate religious values in such a way that certain economic attitudes and behavior patterns emerge in adulthood; certain practices result in a motivational predisposition such as need achievement. However, recent research indicates that, in evolving societies, the economic‐ecological variables strongly influence the types of child rearing practices used and the parentally‐instilled values and ideology. Thus, personality predispositions and personal values depend, to a large extent, upon the economic structure and occupational roles of the society. As society increases in social‐structural and technological complexity, the relationship between personal values and the economic institution becomes reciprocal.