3. Psychology and Culture
Cultural psychology
Examines the cultural foundations of
psychological processes and human
behavior
4. Psychology and Culture
(continued)
Psychological research has been based on WEIRDOS
(Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and
democratic cultures)
Not representative of all humans
Cross-cultural research: Tests the cultural parameters
of psychological knowledge
Involves research on human behavior that
compares psychological processes between two or
more cultures
5. Contribution of the Study of
Culture
On psychological truths
Understands human behaviors within a global perspective
Tests people’s limited knowledge by examining whether theories and
principles are culture-specific or universal
In people’s lives
Encourages one to ask questions from a cultural perspective
Is the knowledge true for all people regardless of their cultural backgrounds?
Under what conditions do differences occur, and why?
6. Growth of Cultural Psychology
and Cross-Cultural Research
Cultural psychology has popularized psychology worldwide
Highlights the importance of culture on behavior
Increases awareness about intercultural conflicts
Theoretical models and books are incorporating culture
Increased interest in cultural psychology is a normal and healthy
development
8. Culture
Refers to general characteristics of a society
Refers to heritage or tradition
Describes rules and norms
Describes learning or problem solving
Defines the organization of a group
Refers to origins of a group
9. Table 1.1 - Factors that
Influence the Creation of
Cultures
10. Culture
Function
Provides guidelines or roadmaps on what to do, how to think, and
what to feel
Ways of living use universal psychological toolkits to meet basic
human needs
Definition
Unique information system shared by a group, and transmitted across
generations
Allows the group to meet basic needs, pursue well-being, and derive
meaning from life
11. Figure 1.3 - A Functional
Understanding of Culture
18. Influence of Culture on Human
Behavior and Processes
Culture influences psychological processes through situational
contexts
Enculturation: Process of learning and adopting the ways and
manners of a specific culture
Culture produces changes in people in terms of their attitudes,
values, and opinions
Relationship between culture and individual behaviors is reciprocal,
dynamic, and complex
19. Etics and Emics
Etics: Universal psychological processes
Emics: Culture-specific processes
Cultural differences arise due to:
Geography
Climate
Resources
Previous culture and contact with other cultures
People around the world want the same things, but they work
toward it differently
20. Diversity Is Social Difference
Diversity—the presence of difference
social difference or differences among people
21. Common Types of Diversity
Gender
Race
Weight
Sexual orientation
Age
22. The Psychology of Diversity:
A Conceptual Framework
Diversity is socially constructed
The individual is a social perceiver
The individual is a social actor
Diversity is a social influence
Influence on identity
Influence on behavior
