An Empirical Examination of Two Models of Cultural Causation

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Issue Date
1991-01-01Author
Mooney, Linda A.
Gramling, Robert
Forsyth, Craig J.
Publisher
Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
Type
Article
Rights
Copyright (c) Social Thought and Research. For rights questions please contact Editor, Department of Sociology, Social Thought and Research, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045.
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Show full item recordAbstract
The traditional macroscopic model of cultural causation advanced by Weber and modified by Parsons assumes that values provide orientation for human action. Thus, values are conceptualized as the intervening link between culture and behavior and in general, are viewed as predictive of human action. Swidler (1986) contends that values are a poor predictor of behavior. As an a/tentative model, Swidler asserts that cultures provide actors with a limited array of behavioral options. Because this array is finite and indicative of a particular cultural setting, inuacultural behavioral similatities are observable. We empirically test the link between culture and behavior in a situation which Swidler defines as "unsettled lives." Our findings offer little support for the traditionally assumed link between values and behavior. The theoretical implications of our findings are discussed and an expansion of Swidler's model is offered.
Citation
Mid-American Review of Sociology, Volume 15, Number 1 (WINTER, 1991), pp. 17-31 http://dx.doi.org/10.17161/STR.1808.5057
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