Culture and Psychology – David Matsumoto, Linda Juang – 2009
Culture and Psychology: A Spotlight
David Matsumoto and Linda Juang’s Culture and Psychology is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted interplay between cultural contexts and psychological processes. The work examines how culture shapes human development, cognition, emotion, motivation, and social behavior, moving beyond a Western-centric view of psychology to encompass a truly global perspective.
Historical / Cultural Context
Prior to the late 20th and early 21st centuries, much of psychological research operated under the assumption of a ‘universal’ psychology – that the basic principles of the mind applied equally across all cultures. Matsumoto and Juang’s work arises from a critical reassessment of this assumption, spurred by increasing globalization and awareness of cultural diversity. This book reflects a significant shift towards cultural psychology as a distinct field, challenging the dominance of Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) samples in psychological studies. It acknowledges that psychological processes are often constructed and influenced by cultural meanings, values, and practices. The first edition was published in 2009 and reflects the growing body of cross-cultural research and theoretical development up to that point.
Who This Book Is For
This book is primarily intended for students of psychology, anthropology, and related social sciences. Its level of detail and academic rigor makes it well-suited for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses. However, its accessible writing style and broad scope also make it valuable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how culture influences human thought, feeling, and behavior. The book does not require specialized prior knowledge, but a basic familiarity with psychological concepts is helpful.
Further Reading
- Jerome Bruner, Culture and Cognition (1966): A foundational work in cultural psychology, exploring the relationship between cultural tools and cognitive development.
- Richard Shweder, Thinking Through Cultures (1991): Offers a critical analysis of the limitations of universalist approaches in psychology and advocates for a more culturally sensitive methodology.
- Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism and collectivism. Westview Press: A classic text exploring a key cultural dimension influencing psychological processes.
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