SOCIAL VALUES IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE: AN ANALYSIS OF CHINESE AND YORÙBÁ ETHICAL TRADITIONS

Abstract

This study examines the morally accepted principles by two different
societies across the globe. This work argues that each society creates
principles that are formed by the traditions and the cultural beliefs of the
people in these societies. Data for this work were obtained through
homogeneous purpose sampling, and a content analysis approach was
adopted. Scholarly materials related to ethics, morals, values, etiquette
and responsibilities were downloaded from the internet. This work
adopts the Hofstede's cultural dimension theory as the guiding theoretical
framework. It recognizes that different cultures in its predominant society
have an influence on the development of certain values that affect their
behaviour. It also observes that the relationship across members of the
society based on power is a critical component of how the values are
developed. Furthermore, it identifies the formation of societies which are
characterized by certain degrees of integration of either individualism or
collectivism. Similarly, it shows how societies accept thoughts or ideas to
guide and regulate their behaviour and actions. This study agrees with the
notion that values are designed through the traditions across cultures. It
suggests that certain values are unique across all cultures to preserve their
identity, culture and traditions. This study observes that Chinese and
Yorùbá values have a convergence of ideas in areas of respect, moral
leadership, family and virtue ethics while showing a divergence in
concepts of gender relations, social organisation, religious and
metaphysical foundations.