WELCOME TO
CROSS-CULTURAL
PSYCHOLOGY
by: Dr Amalina Ibrahim
Introduction - Key Definition
Cultural is a set of attitudes, behaviors, and symbols shared by a large group of people and
usually communicated from one generation to the next generation.
Cross-Cultural Psychology refer to the critical and comparative study of cultural effects on
human psychology.
This is a comparative field. Any study in cross-cultural psychology draws its conclusion, and
the act of comparison requires a particular set of critical skills, this study is inseparable from
critical thinking.
How is cross-cultural psychology different from
cultural psychology?
Cultural psychology: Cross- Cultural psychology:
Seeks to discover meaningful links refer to the critical and comparative study of
between a culture and the psychology of cultural effects on human psychology.
individuals living in this culture.
Cares not only about differences between
The main message of cultural psychology cultural groups, it also establishes
is that human behavior is meaningful only psychological universals, that is, phenomena
when viewed in the sociocultural context in common for people in several, many, or
which it occurs. perhaps all cultures.
Basic Definitions
RACE ETHNICITY
A large group of people distinguished by A cultural heritage shared by a category of
certain similar and genetically transmitted peoople who also share a common
physical characteristics. ancestral origin, language and religion.
NATION
A large group of people who constitute a
legitimate, independent state, and share a
common geographical origin, history, and
frequently language.
Racial Categories in the United States
WHITE
ASIAN
NATIVE AMERICAN
HISPANIC
BLACK
The U.S. Bureau of the Census
Knowledge in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Scientific Knowledge: Popular Beliefs:
• Accumulated through research, systematic empirical Everyday assumptions about psychological phenomena;
observation, and evaluation of a wide range of such assumptions are often expressed in the form of
psychological phenomena. beliefs, evaluations, or prescriptions.
• Facts are obtained with the help of scientific research
methodologies and rigorous verification by multiple
sources.
Ideological or Value-based Knowledge:
Legal knowledge:
A consistent set of beliefs about the world, the nature of Encapsulated in the law and detailed in rules and principles
good and evil, right and wrong, and the purpose of human related to psychological functioning of individuals. These rules
life - all based on a certain organizing principal or central are commonly established by legal authorities.
idea.
THE IMPACT OF
KNOWLEDGE ON
CULTURAL AND
BEHAVIOR
Shiraev/Levy Cross-Cultural Psychology 5/e
Types of cultural influences can be recognized:
north korea
Traditional Culture: Non-Traditional Culture:
The term used to describe cultures based largely The term used to describe cultures based largely
on beliefs, rules, symbols, and principles on modern beliefs, rules, symbols and principles:
established:
• Relatively open to other cultures
• Predominantly in the past • Absorbing and dynamic
• Confined in local or regional boundaries • Science-based and technology-driven
• Restricting • Relatively tolerant to social innovations.
• Mostly intolerant to social innovations
Comparisons between traditional and non-traditional culture:
must have reason
Empirical Examination of Culture
Uncertainty Orientation: Collectivism:
Complex behavior based on
power between gov vs people
Common ways in which people
malaysia high, italy low
handle uncertainty in their daily concerns for other people,
Power Distance:
situations and lives in general. traditions, and values they
The extent to which the
share together.
members of a society
high : able to adapt/tolerate if things happened terkejut
low: anxious w sudden changes care about other people
accepted that power in
eg: jaga kebersihan toilet, risau orang lain nak guna gak
institutions and organizations Individualism:
in distributed unequally. Uncertainty Avoidance: Complex behavior based on
hierarchy
The degree to which the concern for oneself and one’s
members of a society feel immediate family or primary
uncomfortable with uncertainty group as opposed to concern for
and ambiguity. other groups to which one
terbalik ngan orientation
struggle to adapt
belongs.
Empirical
Examination of
Culture: Future
Research
Cultural Syndromes
how tight the norms here (strict)
Cross-Cultural Psychology: Approaches
Evolutionary Sociological Ecocultural Cultural Mixtures
Cross-Cultural Psychology: Approaches
Evolutionary Approach:
A theoretical model that explores the ways in which evolutionary end factors affect human behavior and thus lay
natural foundation for human culture. This theoretical paradigm claims that general biological laws of behavior are
perfectly suited as a fundamental explanation of human behavior. Cultural is just a form of existence that provides for
bio _= law
fundamental human needs and subsequent goals.
culture = fundamental needs
Sociological Approach:
A general view of human behavior that focuses on broad social structures that influence society as a whole, and
subsequently its individuals.
Eco-cultural Approach:
A cross-disciplinary and comprehensive approach according to which people constantly exchange messages with the
environment, thus transforming it and themselves. These interactions are reciprocal. The individual is seen not as a
passive and static entity influenced by the environment, but dynamic human being who interacts with and changes
the environment.
The Integrative
Approach: A
summary
For the cross-cultural psychologist, human
behavior is not only a “result” or “product” of
cultural influences; people are also free,
active and rational individuals who are
capable of exercising their own will.
THANK YOU.