To clarify the arguments for and against indigenization, the author co
nstructs a metatheory of cross-cultural comparisons between theories,
theorists, and cultures. This metatheory makes clear that cross-cultur
al psychology encompasses both indigenous and exotic theories; accordi
ngly, indigenous psychologies may be regarded as a subdomain of cross-
cultural psychology. The case for indigenization rests on acknowledgin
g a critical point: The conceptualization of psychological phenomena i
s a psychological phenomenon in itself and is, therefore, subject to i
nvestigation. Illustrations are provided on how indigenous theorizing
derived from Filipino and Confucian heritage cultures makes a conceptu
al and methodological contribution. To go beyond indigenization, metho
dological relationalism is explicated as a conceptual framework origin
ating from Asia toward the realization of a universal psychology.