The aims of Indigenous Psychology

What is it about?

"Indigenous Psychology" is a research perspective that examines psychological theories and practices within the context of their cultural dependency, often highlighting the limited scope of any indigenous psychology. The now globally widespread academic psychology, originally shaped in Europe and America, is viewed as just one of many indigenous psychologies. This chapter demonstrates how and why the indigenous-psychological perspective emphasizes the importance of history, philosophy of science, and science policy – areas that are often neglected even in cultural psychology.

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Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash

Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The willingness to reflect on culture's influence on social science theories is still very low among researchers at Western research institutions. This lack of willingness often goes hand in hand with insufficient knowledge about other cultures and their history of ideas. The article highlights this problem, looks for its roots and advises a rethink.