Keywords
Modernization Theory, Adolescent conformity, China, Taiwan, United States
Abstract
This paper examines modernization theory's explanation of adolescent conformity behavior to determine patterns in three different cultural settings. Questionnaire survey data were collected from college students in mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S. LISREL models were used to analyze the data. It was found that modernization theory was not well supported by the data. Analysis of the findings suggested that modernization theory test with cross-cultural data should take into consideration cultural characteristics, since much of human behavior is culturally determined. Contrary to modernization theory's predictions, the social institution of education is less important, but religion is highly valued in American society, while the reverse was found in the two Chinese societies.
Original Publication Citation
"Modernization Theory Revisited: A Cross-Cultural Study of Adolescent Conformity to Significant Others in Mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S.A." Adolescence 29 (116):885-903 (with Zhang Jie).
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Zhang, Jie and Thomas, Darwin L., "Modernization Theory Revisited: A Cross-Cultural Study of Adolescent Conformity to Significant Others in Mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S.A." (1994). Faculty Publications. 5724.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5724
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
1994
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8454
Publisher
Adolescence
Language
English
College
Religious Education
Department
Sociology
Copyright Use Information
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