Social cultural psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on how culture and social interactions shape an individual’s behavior and thought processes. It is a relatively new field of study that has gained considerable attention in recent years. But when exactly was social cultural psychology founded?
The origins of social cultural psychology can be traced back to the early 20th century when anthropologists, sociologists, and psychologists began to take an interest in the role of culture in shaping human behavior. The works of scholars such as Franz Boas, Edward Sapir, and Lev Vygotsky laid the groundwork for what would later become social cultural psychology.
However, it was not until the mid-20th century that social cultural psychology began to emerge as a distinct field of study. In 1954, psychologist Harry Triandis published his seminal work “Attitude and Attitude Change” which focused on how culture affects attitudes towards different topics.
In the following years, other influential scholars such as Richard Shweder, Hazel Markus, and Claude Steele contributed to the development of social cultural psychology by examining topics such as self-concept formation, language acquisition, and stereotype threat.
One significant event that helped establish social cultural psychology as a legitimate area of research was the founding of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research in 1972. This organization provided a platform for scholars from different disciplines to come together and exchange ideas about how culture influences human behavior.
Since then, social cultural psychology has continued to grow and evolve. Today there are numerous research centers and academic programs dedicated to studying this fascinating field.
In conclusion, while the roots of social cultural psychology can be traced back to early 20th-century scholars such as Franz Boas and Lev Vygotsky, it was not until the mid-20th century that it emerged as a distinct field of study. The contributions of influential scholars such as Harry Triandis, Richard Shweder, Hazel Markus, and Claude Steele have helped to shape the direction of social cultural psychology, and today it is a thriving area of research that continues to shed light on the complex relationship between culture and human behavior.