The eternal triangle across cultures. Oedipus, Hsueh, and Ganesa.

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.