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The conceptual structure of human relationships across modern and historical cultures

Author

Listed:
  • Xi Cheng

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Haroon Popal

    (Beijing Normal University
    University of Maryland)

  • Huanqing Wang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Renfen Hu

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Yinyin Zang

    (Peking University)

  • Mingzhe Zhang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Mark A. Thornton

    (Dartmouth College)

  • Yina Ma

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Huajian Cai

    (University of Oklahoma)

  • Yanchao Bi

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Jamie Reilly

    (Temple University)

  • Ingrid R. Olson

    (Temple University)

  • Yin Wang

    (Beijing Normal University)

Abstract

A defining characteristic of social complexity in Homo sapiens is the diversity of our relationships. We build connections of various types in our families, workplaces, neighbourhoods and online communities. How do we make sense of such complex systems of human relationships? The basic organization of relationships has long been studied in the social sciences, but no consensus has been reached. Here, by using online surveys, laboratory cognitive tasks and natural language processing in diverse modern cultures across the world (n = 20,427) and ancient cultures spanning 3,000 years of history, we examined universality and cultural variability in the ways that people conceptualize relationships. We discovered a universal representational space for relationship concepts, comprising five principal dimensions (formality, activeness, valence, exchange and equality) and three core categories (hostile, public and private relationships). Our work reveals the fundamental cognitive constructs and cultural principles of human relationship knowledge and advances our understanding of human sociality.

Suggested Citation

  • Xi Cheng & Haroon Popal & Huanqing Wang & Renfen Hu & Yinyin Zang & Mingzhe Zhang & Mark A. Thornton & Yina Ma & Huajian Cai & Yanchao Bi & Jamie Reilly & Ingrid R. Olson & Yin Wang, 2025. "The conceptual structure of human relationships across modern and historical cultures," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 9(6), pages 1162-1175, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:9:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1038_s41562-025-02122-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02122-8
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