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Three Approaches to Cultural Psychology

A Critique

Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

This article identifies the strengths and weaknesses of three predominant schools of cultural psychology. These schools are activity theory, the symbolic approach, and an individual approach. Activity theory explains psychology as grounded in practical cultural activities. The symbolic approach explains psychology as formed by collective symbols and concepts. The individual approach emphasizes individual construction of psychological functions from collective symbols and artifacts. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, this article seeks to illuminate the elements which can subsequently be integrated into a coherent framework for cultural psychology.

Key Words: activity theory • agency • symbolic culture • Vygotsky

Cultural Dynamics, Vol. 11, No. 1, 7-31 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/092137409901100102


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