Cultural Psychological Perspective Research Articles

从自我到自我观：文化心理学的视角

从自我到自我观：文化心理学的视角

Individualism of particles in particle swarm optimization

The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is an effective, nature-inspired, computational algorithm for optimization problems. However, the influence of individuals’ cultural orientations is neglected in particle swarms. Individualist and collectivist orientations have an important influence on optimization. In order to improve the performance of PSO in nature, particularly with respect to the balance of exploitation and exploration in the search process, and in view of the inherent characteristics of particles, a few particles in the swarm was regarded as having an individualistic orientation, which may be beneficial to group creativity from a cultural psychology perspective. The particles holding individualistic orientations were named individualism particles (I-particles). To simulate the divisive and unruly features of I-particles, a random term was introduced to the velocity updating formula to simulate the creative behavior. The experiment was performed with and without I-particles in the PSO algorithm. The presence of I-particles produced better performance in terms of solution accuracy and convergence speed. Furthermore, when added to one of the PSO variants, the I-particles could also contribute to improve the performance of the PSO variant. Further, even for complex CEC2013 benchmark functions, good results were achieved in most problems when I-particles were added to the PSO. Besides, the study is not focused on a PSO variant algorithm, but on the nature of the PSO. Thus, The findings of the nature indicated that I-particles in a particle swarm might be regarded as a supplement to the basic structure of PSO.

Subjective and Cultural Tensions in the Identity Experience of Being Black

This study aims at relating the ideas of Frantz Fanon to the theoretical perspective of Semiotic Cultural Psychology, analyzing how this latter approach broadens and dialogs with the historical-cultural specificity of the colonized black people. In view of the possibilities that such study allows for understanding of human living experiences and considering the reality of the black individual in Brazil, it was attempted to indicate possible points of understanding about the psychological experiences as they relate to the identity of “being black” from the significations produced from such experiences. A brief case study in the Brazilian context was presented to assist reflection. From this, the contribution of the revolt generated in the contact with the collective culture was discussed, predominantly white, as an important element for the process of cultural de-alienation. At the same time, such a process may lead to an opposition between white and black, which in turn generates hatred and reinforces black identity as an “essence”. It was concluded that, since racism bases social institutions and the scientific enterprise itself, it is necessary to develop a psychology that considers this element, as well as the class and gender factors present in every human person, as valid expressions of this human-generic.

The Psychology of Neoliberalism and the Neoliberalism of Psychology

AbstractIn this article, we approach the relationship between neoliberalism and psychological science from the theoretical perspective of cultural psychology. In the first section, we trace how engagement with neoliberal systems results in characteristic tendencies—including a radical abstraction of self from social and material context, an entrepreneurial understanding of self as an ongoing development project, an imperative for personal growth and fulfillment, and an emphasis on affect management for self‐regulation—that increasingly constitute the knowledge base of mainstream psychological science. However, as we consider in the second section, psychological science is not just an observer of neoliberalism and its impact on psychological experience. Instead, by studying psychological processes independent of cultural–ecological or historical context and by championing individual growth and affective regulation as the key to optimal well‐being, psychological scientists reproduce and reinforce the influence and authority of neoliberal systems. Rather than a disinterested bystander, hegemonic forms of psychological science are thoroughly implicated in the neoliberal project.

Maintaining borders: From border guards to diplomats

Abstract The article aims at integrating the cultural psychology perspective of into the multidisciplinary field of border studies. It analyses the border phenomenon as a co-genetic system. The authors investigate the psychological side of people who relate to the border out of different motives. Then, it expands some of the theoretical concepts current in border studies by introducing psychological dimensions such as intentionality and directionality. Finally, the framework is applied to two case-studies representing the northern and southern European Union frontiers: the case of Estonian officer Eston Kohver in the Setumaa region on the Estonian–Russian border; and the experiences of border guards in the re-bordering process on the Spanish– Moroccan border. It offers an innovative conceptual resource based on a triadic co-genetic epistemological approach, which allows us to overcome the binary oppositions still very present in the contemporary debates in borders studies.

The psychology of modern memorials: the affective intertwining of personal and collective memories / La psicología de los monumentos modernos: la implicación afectiva de los recuerdos personales y colectivos

This paper explores collective memory and grief as they are experienced and expressed at modern memorial sites. What makes them collective is the way they are interpreted and felt as a ‘we’, in first-person plural. From a cultural psychological perspective, we conceptualize memorials as cultural and historical artefacts that mediate these processes and in so doing give meaning to the past based on present and future challenges. Along these lines, we analyse visitors’ situated and evolving experiences of two memorial sites: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin and the Ground Zero National September 11 Memorial in New York. Results focus on individuals’ particular modes of experiencing and appropriating modern memorial sites, which in contrast to classic ones are purposely built to generate a wide range of different meaning-making processes and ways of interacting with them.

“Atmos-fear”: A psycho-semiotic analysis of messages in New York everyday life

Abstract We live in societies emphasizing security and its complementary side of fear. In this work, I analyze the peripheral messages disseminated in the urban environment, whose function is that of regulating human and collective conduct through orienting specific forms of affective meaning-making. According to the perspective of Cultural Psychology of Semiotic Dynamics, affect and cognition work always together. Affect has the primacy in the relationship with the world and on top of affective distinctions we build conceptual distinctions. Thus, I describe a type of semiotic process I have called “atmos-fear,” that works through the production of empty representamen that frames meaning. The concept of “atmos-fear” could be fruitfully developed to understand phenomena of politics, communication and construction of the Other in contemporary societies, where the dialogical relationship between security and fear is at stake.

Maintaining borders: From border guards to diplomats

Abstract The article aims at integrating the cultural psychology perspective of into the multidisciplinary field of border studies. It analyses the border phenomenon as a co-genetic system. The authors investigate the psychological side of people who relate to the border out of different motives. Then, it expands some of the theoretical concepts current in border studies by introducing psychological dimensions such as intentionality and directionality. Finally, the framework is applied to two case-studies representing the northern and southern European Union frontiers: the case of Estonian officer Eston Kohver in the Setumaa region on the Estonian–Russian border; and the experiences of border guards in the re-bordering process on the Spanish–Moroccan border. It offers an innovative conceptual resource based on a triadic co-genetic epistemological approach, which allows us to overcome the binary oppositions still very present in the contemporary debates in borders studies.

A VIDEOGRAVAÇÃO COMO RECURSO METODOLÓGICO EM PESQUISA QUALITATIVA PARA ANÁLISE DE INTERAÇÕES

The video recording of the storytelling is a productive research resource for allowing rescue lately the organization of the time, space, scenes, lines and interactions between the teacher and the children in the storytelling context. The research on which we based for the production of this work was performed from the theoretical contribution of human development in the Cultural Psychology perspective with emphasis in the historical-cultural context, and the objective was to analyze the interactions that occurred in the School Library between the storyteller and children. Participated of the research one teacher (storyteller) and eighteen children aged five years. This work can contribute and dialogue with qualitative researches that intend to utilize the video recording as a resource to analyze the interactions, presented here from the procedures description. This methodological course allowed us to accomplish a microanalysis of the interactions, because we consider it important to conduct the research in human science – in our specific case, in the approach of the Developmental Psychology.

A Different Take on the Liminal Process of Veterans Reintegration in Cultural Psychology

This article explores how a cultural psychological perspective may enhance the knowledge available regarding the reintegration of veterans. In order to achieve a clear understanding of this phenomenon, a literature review was conducted. The review found that culture could be used to combine the different aspects of transitioning, to create a more complex and coherent understanding of the process. Through the analysis, the following themes emerged: stigmatization of veterans, concerning political, scientific, and societal aspects, which may play a role in the reintegration process. Secondly, an unclear definition of culture was largely present in the articles treated, which may relate to the notion that cultural psychology is remarkably unrepresented in relation to this phenomenon. The role of stigmatization of veterans was discussed in relation to how individual veterans are viewed by others, but also by the veterans themselves. Finally, thoughts regarding further application of the cultural psychological perspective on reintegration were presented.

Understanding different positions on female genital cutting among Maasai and Samburu communities in Kenya: a cultural psychological perspective

This paper presents an analysis of different positions on female genital cutting, either legitimising the practice or challenging it. The framework it offers has been developed from cultural psychological theory and qualitative data collected in Maasai communities around Loitokitok and Magadi, Kajiado County, and Samburu communities around Wamba, Samburu County, in Kenya. Over the course of one month, 94 respondents were interviewed using maximum variation sampling. Triangulation took place by means of participant observation of significant events, such as alternative rites, participation in daily activities and informal talks while staying at traditional homesteads and kraals. The framework adds to understanding of why more contextual approaches and holistic interventions are required to bring an end to female genital cutting.

The Processes of Becoming a Caregiver Among Mexican-Origin Women: A Cultural Psychological Perspective

This article describes thematic findings that emerged from an in-depth analysis of interview data collected from 44 informal caregivers in East Los Angeles, California. The research question addressed in this paper is “How do Mexican-origin women describe becoming oriented to or familiarized with the caregiving role and its associated responsibilities?” A cultural psychological perspective guided the study, which used a thematic analysis approach. Two main themes emerged from the data: (a) caregiving comes from within, and (b) caregiving is cultivated through early and continuous informal socialization. Women viewed caregiving as something that was unique to their character. Some women described having a natural ability or affinity for caregiving, and others described internal motivations for becoming caregivers. Adoption of the caregiver role occurred over time, often over the course of many years. The socialization process was gendered such that modeling behaviors and care expectations were directed at women in the family rather than men. Our findings suggest that the transition into the caregiving role is a complex process that can vary considerably across family and cultural contexts. The nature of caregiving motives and the timing of caregivers’ socialization to the caregiving role have implications for the caregiving experience and caregiver outcomes.

Collective memory as tool for intergroup conflict: The case of 9/11 commemoration

We apply a cultural psychology approach to collective memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In particular, we considered whether practices associated with commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks would promote vigilance (prospective affordance hypothesis) and misattribution of responsibility for the original 9/11 attacks (reconstructive memory hypothesis) in an ostensibly unrelated context of intergroup conflict during September 2015. In Study 1, vigilance toward Iran and misattribution of responsibility for the 9/11 attacks to Iranian sources was greater among participants whom we asked about engagement with 9/11 commemoration than among participants whom we asked about engagement with Labor Day observations. Results of Study 2 suggested that patterns of greater vigilance and misattribution as a function of instructions to recall engagement with 9/11 commemoration were more specifically true only of participants who reported actual engagement with hegemonic commemoration practices. From a cultural psychological perspective, 9/11 commemoration is a case of collective memory not merely because it implicates collective-level (versus personal) identities, but instead because it emphasizes mediation of motivation and action via engagement with commemoration practices and other cultural tools.

A cultural psychological analysis of collective memory as mediated action: Constructions of Indian history

The present research applies a cultural psychological perspective on collective memory as mediated action to examine how constructions of a national past serve as tools that both reflect and shape national identity concerns. We employ a situation-sampling method to investigate collective memory in a series of studies concerning intergroup relations in the Indian context. In Study 1, participants (N = 55) generated three historical events that they considered important/relevant for Indian history. In Study 2, participants (N = 95) rated the importance and relevance of these events in a within-participant design. Illuminating the psychological constitution of cultural reality, frequency of recall (Study 1) and ratings of importance/relevance (Study 2) were greater for nation-glorifying events celebrating ingroup triumph than for typically silenced, critical events acknowledging ingroup wrongdoing. Moreover, these patterns were stronger among participants who scored higher in national identification. In Studies 3 (N = 65) and 4 (N = 160), we exposed participants to different categories of events in a between-participants design. Illuminating the cultural constitution of psychological experience, participants exposed to typically silenced, critical events reported lower national identification and greater perception of injustice against marginalized groups than did participants exposed to nation-glorifying events. Together, results illuminate a conception of collective memory as mediated action. Producers invest memory products with an identity-interested charge that directs subsequent intergroup relations toward identity-consistent ends.

The meaning of work and cultural psychology: Ideas for new directions

Work is one arena in which human beings constitute their identities and participate in collective-cultural enterprises. But research on factors affecting the meaning of work and its outcomes focuses mostly on individual-level variables related to workers’ experience. However, scholars have recently proposed a shift towards a more collective dimension of meaningfulness, in particular, the cultural level. This article discusses and expands on this recent trend, demonstrating how growing attention to cultural factors of work’s meaning raises some problematic, crucial issues about the very definition of culture and its role in meaning-making. A particular issue is the assumption that culture is transmitted to people, that it is primarily a collective endeavour based on shared values and that culture can endow work with meaning. Based on a cultural psychology perspective, we revisit both the relationship between person and culture and the idea of work as a cultural phenomenon. We argue that work is inherently a meaningful activity, mediating between personal and collective culture. We end by proposing some potential new directions to explore.

The role of “responsiveness” within the self in transitions to university

Entering university is a complex psychosocial phenomenon that can create several new stressful situations that students need to face. The transition into university may be accompanied by some psychosocial problems such as reduced self-esteem and academic achievement, increased social anxiety, and a critical rise in the probability of dropout. How does a person use cultural elements to cope with stress? Responding to this question requires an understanding of the multivocal and ambivalent self. The paper aims at introducing and discussing the concept of Educational Self and the role of the responsiveness for explaining the complexity of the transition to a new educational context in Cultural Psychology perspective. The notion of responsiveness plays a crucial role in the “reconfiguration” of the multivocal and ambivalent self in transition.

Rethinking THE CHRYSANTHEMUM ＆ THE SWORD from the perspective of cultural psychology – Focusing on Individual, Relationship and Collective –

Rethinking THE CHRYSANTHEMUM ＆ THE SWORD from the perspective of cultural psychology – Focusing on Individual, Relationship and Collective –

PARENTAL REGULATION OF INFANT SLEEP: ROUND-THE-CLOCK EFFORTS FOR SOCIAL SYNCHRONIZATION.

The sleep-cycle development of infants is influenced by familial and sociocultural conditions, but there is a lack of knowledge on how parental regulation of infant sleep is related to the specific life situation of a family. This article describes a context-sensitive study of parental regulation of infant sleep that includes the whole 24-hr day, parents' intentions, and familial and sociocultural conditions. The results are based on a longitudinal qualitative study in Norway of 51 families. Parents were interviewed in the infants' first year of life and approximately 18 months later. An interpretive analysis in four steps was conducted, informed by cultural psychological perspectives on development. The parents were found to perform five types of regulatory actions: facilitating sleep, letting sleep, letting be awake, keeping awake, and waking. These actions were performed continuously throughout the 24-hr day, each to different extents and at different hours in individual families, forming a regulation cycle. We describe patterns and variations in regulation cycles, changes over time as increased social synchronization, and how the regulation cycle is embedded in familial and sociocultural conditions. Finally, implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Toward a cultural psychology of mental disorder: The case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Cultural psychology is now a significant approach in many areas of psychology. However, today’s cultural psychology has little to say about mental disorder, which is otherwise a key theme in psychology as such. Most theorizing on mental disorder has historically been dominated by psychodynamic, cognitivist, and behaviorist schools, and more recently by the neurosciences. This article tentatively articulates an approach to the very idea of mental disorder from a cultural psychological perspective. It is argued that cultural psychology has the potentials to develop a comprehensive understanding of mental disorder that combines awareness of the brain and body with sociocultural norms and practices without reducing mental disorder to either of these. In that sense, it may steer a course between essentialist models of psychopathology on the one hand, and radical social constructionist ones on the other. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults is referred to as an illustrative example, but the theory presented here has more general ambitions.

Revisiting individualism and collectivism: a multinational examination of pre-service teachers’ perceptions on student academic performances

This study explores how pre-service teachers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States perceive educational diversity in relation to students’ academic achievement by means of qualitative content analysis. It takes cultural psychological perspectives to revisit the attribute reasoning embedded in individualist and collectivist orientations. Pre-service teachers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are found to attribute academic failure of low social economic status (SES) students to personal factors, such as individual effort, intelligence, and motivation. Pre-service teachers from the United States tend to attribute academic failure of low SES students to situational factors, such as family, school, and community.