Contributions of Psychological Anthropology
Abstract
Psychological anthropology and cross-cultural psychology are partners in pursuit of an empirically grounded understanding of human psychology in variable cultural contexts. This article summarizes some of the main contributions of psychological anthropology to this joint endeavor. It adopts a broadly intellectual and historical approach. For psychological anthropology, the early work of Freud was critical. Before World War II, anthropologists adapted it to their varied purposes, eventuating in the school of culture and personality (circa 1940-1965). Developments from, as well as in opposition to, this school are traced, as are new departures. Careers of major figures, as well as the lavishly interdisciplinary content of psychological anthropology throughout the 20th century, are highlighted.
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