A social psychology perspective on the study of culture: An eye on the road to interdisciplinarianism

This article deals with segregation among the social sciences, an especiall y dysfunctional state of affairs for those disciplines committed to underst anding culture and social behavior through comparative research. A necessar y condition, to reduce barriers is a dialogue in which disciplines define t heir identities and perspectives on theory and research. The article initia tes such a self-analysis in social psychology. First, a historical overview of major theoretical systems and schools maps the territory of social psyc hology, its mission and method. Then, an examination of the strategy, desig n of experiments, and the interpretation of findings reveals specific sourc es of resistance to theorizing about cultural influences and conducting the ory-driven cross-cultural research. Finally noted are barriers in ethnograp hic research, including restrictive definitions of culture that inhibit inq uiry into mass cultures, a body of phenomena that defines a common, meeting ground for fruitful exchange.