The Importance of Culture for Developmental Science

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Keller, Heidi

Affiliations: Department of Culture and Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Heidi Keller, University of Osnabrück, Institute of Psychology, Department of Culture and Psychology, Artilleriestr. 34, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany. E-mail: hkeller@uni-osnabrueck.de

Abstract: In this essay, it is argued that a general understanding of human development needs a unified framework based on evolutionary theorizing and cross-cultural and cultural anthropological approaches. An eco-social model of development has been proposed that defines cultural milieus as adaptations to specific socio-demographic contexts. Ontogenetic development consists of pathways along universal developmental tasks that have to be solved in culture-specific modes. Especially the emphasis of particular modes of autonomy and relatedness influence the timing, stability, dynamics, and gestalts of developmental processes. This argument is exemplified with results from a multicultural research program.

Keywords: cultural pathways, infancy, autonomy, relatedness, parenting strategies

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11096

Journal: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 25-28, 2012