1st Edition

Culture and Human Development The Importance of Cross-Cultural Research for the Social Sciences

    374 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    374 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    As intercultural encounters between people in the modern world become more common, important questions have been raised about the nature of culture-specific differences and similarities. Focusing on the relationship between culture and human development, this timely book offers an interdisciplinary exploration of key developmental processes. It combines psychological and sociological approaches with cross-cultural research to examine phenomena such as the transfer of culture between generations and the universality of attachment theory.

    Drawing on detailed research from a range of cultural groups, leading international researchers consider the impact of social change and modernization on the development of the individual and at the societal level. Theoretical and methodological issues are presented in terms of how to apply the results of cross-cultural research as well as recent empirical research done in specialized areas of the field. Finally, short-term intercultural exchanges are examined and used to suggest some of the potential practical uses of cross-cultural research for the future.

    This book will be essential reading for anyone studying or researching in cultural psychology, cross-cultural psychology, acculturation or behavioral development. It will also prove an invaluable source of information for anyone interested in sociology and the social sciences in general.

    Biographical Notes. Preface. Introduction. Part I. Theory and Methods in Cross-Cultural Research. W.J. Lonner, The Psychological Study of Culture: Issues and Questions of Enduring Importance. P. Chakkarath, What can Western Psychology Learn From Indigenous Psychologies? – Lessons From Hindu Psychology. M. Cole, Using Cross-Cultural Psychology to Design Afterschool Educational Activities in Different Cultural Settings. Part II: On the Development of Developmental Theories. K.E. Grossmann, K. Grossmann, A. Keppler Universal and Culture-Specific Aspects of Human Behavior: The Case of Attachment. F. Rothbaum and G. Morelli, Attachment and Culture: Bridging Relativism and Universalism. Wolfgang Friedlmeier, Emotional Development and Culture: Reciprocal Contributions of Cross-Cultural Research and Developmental Psychology. R.C. Mishra, P.R. Dasen, Spatial Language and Cognitive Development in India: An Urban/Rural Comparison. Part III: Intergenerational Relationships. Bernhard Nauck, Changing Value of Children: An Action Theory of Fertility Behavior and Intergenerational Relationships in Cross-Cultural Comparison. B. Schwarz, E. Schäfermeier and G. Trommsdorff, Relations between Value Orientation, Child-Rearing Goals, and Parenting: A Comparison of German and South Korean Mothers. R. Seginer, Adolescent Future Orientation: Intergenerational Transmission and Intertwining Tactics in Cultural and Family Settings. Part IV: Social Change. Çigdem Kagitçibasi, Modernization Does Not Mean Westernization: Emergence of a Different Pattern. Helmut Klages, Modernization and Value Change. Part V: Acculturation. J. W. Berry, Acculturation. A. Thomas, Long-Term Effects of International Student Exchange Programs. Makoto Kobayashi, Collective Self-Esteem and Acculturation: A Case Study of European and Japanese Internship Students. Subject Index

    Biography

    Wolfgang Friedlmeier is Assistant Professor for Cross-Cultural Psychology at Grand Valley State University

    Pradeep Chakkarath is Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Beate Schwarz is Assistant Professor at the University of Konstanz