Culture in the history of psychology in Canada.

Abstract

Culture as a theoretical construct and an empirical variable evolved steadily in the history of psychology in Canada. This historical account is offered to record important contributions made by Canadian psychologists to the understanding of culture, both within the Canadian context, and internationally. The distinctive demographic, historical, political, and social contexts of Canada are examined, which provided the direction and the focus for the psychological examination of culture. Research and theory on culture are mapped across time and topic in three principal domains: intercultural, culture comparative, and indigenous approaches. Additionally, the evolution of professional associations, academic activities, and pedagogy pertaining to culture are examined. It is concluded that Canadian psychologists have made a distinct and substantial contribution to the understanding of relationships between culture and behaviour, in Canada as well as in the global context.

Introduction to the special issue on the history of psychology in Canada.

“…This point can also be seen in the third article (Bhatt, Tonks, & Berry, this issue, pp. 115–123) on culture in psychology by Gira Bhatt (Kwantlen Polytechnic University), Randal Tonks (Camosun College), and John Berry (Queen’s University).…”

The Inclusion of Culture in Canadian Social Psychology Textbooks: A Content Analysis of Introductory Texts

“…Long inhabited by First Nations, often the site of conflict between English and French colonial powers, and currently prioritizing the attraction and retention of skilled and temporary workers, cultural diversity and intercultural relations have figured prominently in Canadian social and political life. Since the 1940s, Canadian psychologists have made substantial contributions to the psychological study of culture (Bhatt et al, 2013). The institutionalization of cultural and cross-cultural investigation in Canadian psychological research and practice is well-established (e.g., Berry, 2003;Bourhis, Moïse, Perreault, & Senécal, 1997;Safdar, Struthers, & van Oudenhoven, 2009).…”

“…In 1980, forty years after the founding of the 1 Canadian Psychology Association (CPA), section 10 of the CPA was established and 'International and Cross-Cultural Psychology,' became an institutionalized field in Canadian psychological research. With 15 full, honorary, student members in 1980, the section had grown steadily to 220 members in 2013 (Bhatt, Tonks, Randal, & Berry, 2013). Cultural diversity is prominent in Canada, and there are many opportunities to apply psychological research on culture to social and political issues.…”

“…Beginning in 1969 at Queen's University, John Berry taught the first psychological course in culture entitled 'Cultural Psychology,' which was offered over three decades until 1999 (Bhatt et al, 2013). Today, the majority of psychology departments offer courses in the scientific study of culture.…”

“…Today, the majority of psychology departments offer courses in the scientific study of culture. A recent survey of Canadian psychology departments (Bhatt et al, 2013) determined that out of 50 Canadian universities, 54% of them offered at least one course with a focus on culture. Out of the 53 psychological courses on culture, 33 were offered at the undergraduate level, while 20 were graduate courses.…”