Cultural prototypes and dimensions of honor
Author(s)
Date
2014-02Source Title
Personality and Socia Psychology Bulletin
Print ISSN
0146-1672
Electronic ISSN
1552-7433
Publisher
Sage
Volume
40
Issue
2
Pages
232 - 249
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Research evidence and theoretical accounts of honor point to differing definitions of the construct in differing cultural
contexts. The current studies address the question “What is honor?” using a prototype approach in Turkey and the Northern
United States. Studies 1a/1b revealed substantial differences in the specific features generated by members of the two groups,
but Studies 2 and 3 revealed cultural similarities in the underlying dimensions of self-respect, moral behavior, and social
status/respect. Ratings of the centrality and personal importance of these factors were similar across the two groups, but
their association with other relevant constructs differed. The tripartite nature of honor uncovered in these studies helps
observers and researchers alike understand how diverse responses to situations can be attributed to honor. Inclusion of
a prototype analysis into the literature on honor cultures can provide enhanced coverage of the concept that may lead to
testable hypotheses and new theoretical developments.