Particularistic values influence relationships by treating others based on what?

Particularistic values influence relationships primarily by focusing on the unique qualities and the significance of the specific relationship one has with another person. This means that individuals may treat others differently based on their emotional or relational ties rather than applying a universal standard to all interactions. For instance, family members may have particularistic values that prioritize their kinship bond, leading them to offer support and attention that would not be extended to acquaintances or strangers.

This approach emphasizes the value of the relationship itself—such as love, loyalty, or long-term commitment—over more objective criteria like age, socioeconomic status, or geography. These alternative factors could certainly impact relationships, but they do not capture the essence of particularistic values, which are inherently relational and context-dependent. Thus, the focus on the value of one's relationship accurately reflects the core principle of particularistic values in sociology, where personal connections and emotional significance drive social interactions.