Thinking Through Cultures – Richard A. Shweder – 1991, Harvard University Press
Thinking Through Cultures: An Exploration of Moral Cognition
Richard Shweder’s Thinking Through Cultures examines the foundations of cultural psychology, challenging universalist assumptions about morality and human cognition. The author explores how different cultures construct and prioritize distinct ‘moral logics’ – conceptions of what it means to be a good person and to live a virtuous life. These logics, termed ‘three ethics’ (ethics of dignity, community, and autonomy), are not simply individual preferences but deeply ingrained cultural schemas that shape perception, judgment, and behavior.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1991, Thinking Through Cultures emerged from a period of increasing debate within psychology regarding the impact of culture on psychological processes. Prior to this, much of psychological research was conducted with a WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) sample, and its findings were often generalized to all of humanity. Shweder’s work directly countered this tendency, arguing that psychological phenomena must be understood within their specific cultural contexts. The book responded to, and contributed to, a broader shift in the social sciences toward greater cultural relativism and a critique of ethnocentric perspectives. It was particularly influential in anthropological and cross-cultural psychology circles, prompting researchers to reconsider methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks.
Who This Book Is For
This book is aimed at students and scholars in psychology, anthropology, sociology, and related disciplines. It requires a willingness to engage with complex theoretical concepts and a commitment to thinking critically about cultural differences. While the book is academically rigorous, its central arguments are accessible to anyone with a general interest in cross-cultural understanding and the psychology of moral belief. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in how cultural values shape individual experience and social behavior.
Further Reading
- Moral Maps by Michael F. Goodman: Explores cultural variations in moral reasoning and judgment.
- The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz: A foundational work in symbolic anthropology that emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural meaning.
- Culture and Psychology by Jerome Bruner: Examines the role of culture in shaping cognitive development and psychological processes.
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