title: The eternal triangle across cultures. Oedipus, Hsueh, and Ganesa.
abstract: In this chapter we consider the cross-cultural relevance of the Oedipus complex by investigating three "oedipal" myths from three disparate cultures: Chinese, Indian, and European. Although all three myths concern the same mother-father-son triad, they stress different aspects and proscriptions. These are interpreted as reflecting the different values that are central to the respective cultures. The relationship between these values and child-rearing practices is discussed. We conclude that fundamental psychoanalytic concepts are relevant cross-culturally, although the content of the Oedipus complex may vary from society to society.
authors.affiliation: Mills College Counseling and Psychological Services.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D009229:Mythology; D009813:Oedipus Complex; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012945:Social Values