Independence and interdependence: The diversity of the Brazilian family from a cultural perspective

Résumé 0

"This study aimed to compare socio-demografic and psychosocial characteristics and maternal beliefs in families of two distinct contexts in Brazil, based on the prototypical cultural models of indepen- dence and interdependence. In total, 112 mothers living in two different cities (50 in a city with a high human development index - HDI - and 62 in another city with a low HDI) responded individually to a questionnaire. Through statistical analyses it was revealed that there were more differences when comparing socio-demographic variables than psychosocial variables related to the mother’s infancy and current life. Results also indicated that there are differences between the contexts in relation to the value attributed and to the performance of primary care practices, child stimulation and socialization goals. Results from both contexts combined confirmed the expectations regarding the cultural models of independence and interdependence, indicating the relevance of these dimensions to the study of family and its diversity."