Divergence and Convergence

Divergence and convergence are two opposing views in a long-standing debate within the field of cross-cultural values and behaviors. The divergence and convergence debate deals with the [Page 265]degree to which cultural values are believed to become similar or different over time. Putting it simply, the convergence view argues that increased political, economic, and technological interdependencies motivate the development of shared cultural values worldwide. The divergence view, on the other hand, suggests that despite political, economic, and technological forces, individuals retain their culture’s value system through time. More recently, a crossvergence perspective has emerged, arguing that a culture’s original value system is combined with new ideologies imposed by external forces, precipitating the creation of a new and unique value system.

This entry describes the origin of ...