Cultural Psychology, Socialization, and Individual Development in Changing Contexts

Abstract

This essay discusses two major emerging trends in the study of culture and psychology. One trend can be observed in the reconciliation of cross-cultural and culture-indigenous approaches due to conceptualizing culture in a value- and norm-oriented framework of cultural meaning and cultural minds. A second trend is based on questions of culture learning and socialization, reconciling the nature–nurture debate. Developmental studies integrating biological and socialization conditions in cultural contexts are complemented by selected studies on culture-specificities of self-regulation, prosocial behavior, caretaker’s implicit theories on parenting, and intergenerational relations. The meaning-making function of socialization is seen as a major process in culture learning and the development of cultural mindsets. I conclude with questions regarding socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural changes, suggesting a major research goal for an emerging science of cultural psychology: to provide a scientific basis for better understanding culture-psychological conditions and consequences of fundamental ongoing changes related to cultural diversity and to accelerating intercultural connections.