Psychology of borders: An integral proposal to understand border phenomena in human life

Abstract

This introduction aims to present a comprehensive proposal for studying border phenomena in human life that emerges from the contributions that compose this special issue. This theoretical proposal attempts to include the psychological dimension of border phenomenon, an aspect that has not been fully considered in the field of border studies so far. To this end, we first present the border concept from a cultural psychology point of view. Then we discuss the articles that compose this special issue and their implications for understanding border phenomena in human psychological functioning. These articles explore the border notion in its semiotic, discursive, and dialogic dimension. They also help with understanding the impact of the border on identity formation and negotiation as well as the diverse daily border practices that shape the human mind. Finally, we present the main conclusions drawn from this theoretical elaboration and propose new challenges to continue investigating the relationship between psychology and borders.