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

This study examines the morally accepted principles by two differentsocieties across the globe. This work argues that each society createsprinciples that are formed by the traditions and the cultural beliefs of thepeople in these societies. Data for this work were obtained throughhomogeneous purpose sampling, and a content analysis approach wasadopted. Scholarly materials related to ethics, morals, values, etiquetteand responsibilities were downloaded from the internet. This workadopts the Hofstede's cultural dimension theory as the guiding theoreticalframework. It recognizes that different cultures in its predominant societyhave an influence on the development of certain values that affect theirbehaviour. It also observes that the relationship across members of thesociety based on power is a critical component of how the values aredeveloped. Furthermore, it identifies the formation of societies which arecharacterized by certain degrees of integration of either individualism orcollectivism. Similarly, it shows how societies accept thoughts or ideas toguide and regulate their behaviour and actions. This study agrees with thenotion that values are designed through the traditions across cultures. Itsuggests that certain values are unique across all cultures to preserve theiridentity, culture and traditions. This study observes that Chinese andYorùbá values have a convergence of ideas in areas of respect, moralleadership, family and virtue ethics while showing a divergence inconcepts of gender relations, social organisation, religious andmetaphysical foundations.