Indigenous psychology emphasizes examining psychological phenomena within their own cultural context, to understand how culture influences behavior and thought rather than applying an imported theoretical framework uncritically. It applies a range of research methods tailored to the situation being studied, and it holds that both insider and outsider perspectives can offer valuable insight into culturally specific psychological concepts.
Facts
Central QuestionIndigenous psychology asks whether psychological theories and methods developed within one culture, chiefly the West, can validly describe and explain the minds and behavior of people in other cultures, or whether a valid psychology must instead be built from within each culture's own context, values and beliefs. 1 Key DebateThe indigenous psychology movement is itself divided over whether it seeks a more universalistic psychology, a single set of principles holding across cultures once properly derived, or a more relativistic one, in which each culture requires its own distinct psychology that cannot be reduced to shared universal principles. 1 Connections
Associated With
South African psychologist and pioneering figure in indigenous and African psychology.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Indigenous psychology
Wikimedia Foundationlead section
Indigenous psychology is defined by Kim and Berry as the scientific study of human behavior or mind that is native, that is not transported from other regions, and that is designed for its people.
body text on the movement's aims
Although there is debate within the indigenous psychology movement about whether indigenous psychology represents a more universalistic or a more relativistic approach
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