Psychological anthropology and cross-cultural psychology are partners
in pursuit of an empirically grounded understanding of human psycholog
y in variable cultural contexts. This article summarizes some of the m
ain contributions of psychological anthropology to this joint endeavor
. It adopts a broadly intellectual and historical approach. For psycho
logical anthropology, the early work of Freud was critical. Before Wor
ld War II, anthropologists adapted it to their varied purposes, eventu
ating in the school of culture and personality (circa 1940-1965). Deve
lopments from, as well as in opposition to, this school are traced, as
are new departures. Careers of major figures, as well as the lavishly
interdisciplinary content of psychological anthropology throughout th
e 20th century, are highlighted.