Abstract
A series of interrelated studies of achievement orientation, stemming from theoretical work by Kluckhohn and Parsons, are compared. It is found that this orientation consists of at least four separate components: (1) “activism” or “mastery”; (2) “trust”; (3) “independence of family”; and (4) “occupational primacy” or “accomplishment.” The first three are positively correlated with one another and with socioeconomic status; the fourth is negatively correlated with the others and with status. The findings are interpreted in the light of theoretical problems about achievement orientation, social mobility, and economic development.
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References
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Ibid. Joseph A. Kahl and Robert L. Hamblin, “Socioeconomic Status and Ideological Attitudes: A Nonlinear Pattern” (unpublished manuscript, 1961)., p. 8.
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The preparation of this paper was aided by NSF grant G24222 to Joseph A. Kahl via the Social Science Institute, and NSF grant G22296 to the Computer Center, both at Washington University. A critical reading by Professor Robert L. Hamblin was most helpful; John E. Lyman provided efficient statistical assistance.
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Kahl, J.A. Some measurements of achievement orientation. St Comp Int Dev 1, 199–211 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041079
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03041079