Forgiveness as Cultural Phenomenon: A Case Study of Amish and English Forgiveness

Author:

• Gregory D. Paul (Texas A&M Univ)

Abstract:

Previous research on forgiveness has taken place with little accounting for cultural variation, assuming a similar understanding of it across different contexts. Using discourse analysis, this study explores the relationship between variations in the social construction of forgiveness by media texts and differences in cultural norms associated with Amish and non-Amish (or "English") cultures. The results of this analysis suggest that forgiveness should be understood as a culturally-grounded phenomenon rather than a generally uniform behavior.