The Theme of Giving Back to Parents in Chinese and American songs

Based on the assumption that there is greater reciprocity of relationships (i.e., mutuality of give and take) in China than there is in the United States, the authors predicted cultural differences in the incidence of songs in which adult children express a desire to give back to parents. More songs expressing giving back to mothers than giving back to fathers was also predicted. Popular songs in both cultures were rated for themes of positive or negative giving back to parents. Almost all of the Chinese songs expressed positive giving back, and the majority of U.S. songs expressed negative giving back. More songs about mothers than about fathers were found only for the Chinese songs. American songs' focus on fathers, about whom there are negative feelings, may reflect the U.S. disposition to negative giving back. Processes underlying giving back-involving modeling, caregiving practices, direct tuition, and reciprocity-are discussed.