Do Chinese individuals prefer interdependence? Preference-expectation reversal in China

Abstract

Traditionally characterized by interdependence, Chinese culture is shifting toward greater independence as Western influences grow. Previous research on Japan, another interdependent culture, has demonstrated “preference-expectation reversal” (Hashimoto & Yamagishi, 2015), where individuals prefer independence but expect others to prefer interdependence. This study investigates whether this reversal also occurs in China. Chinese participants (N=144) completed an online survey. The findings showed that participants overestimated others’ evaluations of interdependent individuals and underestimated their positive evaluations of independent individuals. Additionally, participants viewed their ideal self as more independent than the self they perceived others to have, indicating a preference-expectation reversal in China. The study discusses “cultural lag” as a possible explanation.