Theories of Developmental Psychology for a Cultural Perspective: A Viewpoint from Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence of scientific psychology as a Euro-American product, which was later imported into Africa. It is argued that the current theorising in and the orientation of developmental psychology are essentially "Euro-centric" in nature and hence have limited applicability in the context of Africa. The role of culture in development is emphasised. An Afro-centric concept of child is examined and an attempt is made to demonstrate how the representation of the life course in Africa reflects African social systems and cultural realities. The author presents a new paradigm—an eco-cultural model as a conceptual framework—that takes culture and local views of human nature and development. Issues are raised pertaining to research in African cultures within the eco-cultural framework.

Getting through Grade 2: Predicting Children’s Early School Achievement in Rural South African Schools

“…In view of the paucity of research in Africa which can be appropriatel y labelled as truly developmental (Nsamenang, 1995), and the serious implications that could be associated with a particular country's schooling developing little more than curriculum-based skills, studies investigating issues such as this probably merit considerable priority. Serpell (1993) has emphasised the crucial importance of ensuring that swingeing selection pressures, such as exist in developing world schools, operate on logical, consistent, and predictable bases.…”

The neglected 95%: Why American psychology needs to become less American.

“…Partly because of the strenuous demands of daily life, cultures in developing countries tend to value interdependence over independence (Kitayama, Duffy, & Uchida, 2006;Schlegel & Barry, 1991). Families in developing countries not only tend to be larger, they also tend to be part of a cultural milieu emphasizing family obligations and mutual support (Kagitçibasi, 2007;Nsamenang, 1995;Shweder et al, 2006). Gender roles in cultures in developing countries tend to be more strictly delineated than those in OECD countries, and after early childhood, males and females often live in largely separate spheres (Gilmore, 1990;Kent & Haub, 2005).…”

Experiences and Challenges Related to Residential Care and the Expression of Cultural Identity of Adolescent Boys at a Child and Youth Care Centre (Cycc) in Johannesburg

“…According to Nsamenang (1995), children's development in Africa is often understood in line with Western developmental psychology; that creates problems, as less emphasis is given to issues of culture, ethnicity and language. As a result, cultural development is often limited to the values of Western cultures, which often prescribe individualistic cultural practices (Nsamenang, 1995).…”

“…As a result, cultural development is often limited to the values of Western cultures, which often prescribe individualistic cultural practices (Nsamenang, 1995). Nsamenang discovered that as a result of overreliance on Western approaches or practices, there is evidence of neglect of indigenous culture and heritage in favour of Western practices (Nsamenang, 1995).…”

“…As a result, cultural development is often limited to the values of Western cultures, which often prescribe individualistic cultural practices (Nsamenang, 1995). Nsamenang discovered that as a result of overreliance on Western approaches or practices, there is evidence of neglect of indigenous culture and heritage in favour of Western practices (Nsamenang, 1995). In Africa, this is further worsened by a lack of intervention instruments which are contextually relevant, while the over-use of Western intervention techniques poses a challenge (Nsamenang, 1995;Robinson, 2001).…”