Previous research has shown that distinct attitude profiles toward love exist in North America and Uganda, as a representative of an African culture. Given the social upheaval currently occurring in South Africa and the particular nature of its official policy toward ethnic relations, the present paper aimed to compare and contrast the attitudes toward love in South Africa with those prevalent in the other two cultures. The data suggest that although the notion of Romantic Power appeared to be cross-culturally equivalent, there were distinct international differences in Romantic Idealism and Conjugal Love attitudes. The policy of Apartheid served as an explanatory vehicle.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
HINKLE, D., & SPORAKOWSKI, M.Attitudes toward love: A reexamination. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 1975, 37, 764-768.
2.
KEPHART, W.Some correlates of love. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 1967, 29, 470-474.
3.
MUNRO, B., & ADAMS, G.Correlates of romantic love revisited. Journal of Psychology, 1978, 98, 211-214. (a)
4.
MUNRO, B., & ADAMS, G.Love American style: A test of role structure theory on changes in attitude. Human Relations, 1978, 31, 215-228. (b)
5.
PHILBRICK, J. L., & OPOLOT, J. A.Love style: Comparison of African and American attitudes. Psychological Reports, 1980, 46, 286-286.
