Levine et al. 1995

• Aim: 


  To investigate cross-cultural differences in the importance of love for the formation and maintenance of marriage, in relation to Hofstede's individualism-collectivism dimension.
• Research Method: 


  Cross-cultural survey study using questionnaires and existing data.
• Procedure:


  1. Participants: Approximately 1,100 college students from 11 countries
  2. Questionnaire with three key questions about love and marriage
  3. Used Hofstede's data on individualism-collectivism for the 11 countries
  4. Incorporated Samuelson's (1990) data on economic status, fertility rates, marriage rates, and divorce rates
• Results:

  1. Positive correlation between individualism and importance of love for marriage
  2. Stronger correlation for formation of marriage than maintenance
  3. Higher economic status, higher marriage rates, lower fertility rates, and higher divorce rates associated with greater importance of love
  4. Few significant gender differences across or within cultures
• Conclusion:

  1. Cultural norms (individualism-collectivism) are connected to perceptions of love's importance in marriage
  2. Individualist cultures tend to place more importance on love in marriage decisions
  3. Economic factors may influence attitudes towards love and marriage
  4. Gender differences in attitudes towards love and marriage have diminished over time
• Strengths:

  1. Groundbreaking cross-cultural (etic) approach
  2. Large sample size (over 1,000 participants)
  3. Use of translated and back-translated surveys for validity
  4. Integration of multiple data sources (Hofstede's dimensions, Samuelson's economic data)
• Limitations:

  1. Correlational design limits causal inferences
  2. Sampling bias (college students, smaller cities)
  3. Potential construct validity issues with the concept of "love" across cultures
  4. Use of imaginary scenarios may not predict real-life behavior
  5. Comparison of student attitudes with Hofstede's business environment data
• This study highlights the complex interplay between cultural values, economic factors, and attitudes towards love and marriage