INDIGENIZATION IN PSYCHOLOGY

Rationale

    Need for a Cultural or Context-specific Psychology

        To Solve Social Problems

        To Understand Local Thought and Behavior

        To Inform Mainstream Psychology

Definitions

    Home Grown vs. Imported But Modified
    Conceptual vs. Methodological
    Developmental Stages

Indigenous Research Contributions

    Search for “Native” Characteristics
    Philosophical / Religious Writings
    Linguistically Defined Constructs
    Differences from Western Findings

Types of Indigenous Approaches

    Linguistic
    
Empirical

    Applied

    Meta-disciplinary

    Social Psychology of Science

        Researcher as Agent of Change

            Method-fit vs. Problem-centered
            Publication Pressures / Rewards

        The Newness of Psychology

        Lack of Theory ==> Methodological Focus

        Leaders and Followers

            Providing Conceptual Direction
            Building an Empirical Base

Example: Canadianization of Psychology

DISCUSSION:

➢    Is development of an entirely indigenous psychology likely given the exposure of psychologists worldwide to mainstream psychology?

➢    What are the potential benefits and liabilities of an entirely indigenous psychology?