Sociocultural Studies of Mind

Description

Sociocultural Studies of Mind addresses the primary question: how is mental functioning related to the cultural, historical, and institutional settings in which it exists? Although the contributors speak from different perspectives, there is a clear set of unifying themes that run through the volume: 1. One of the basic ways that sociocultural setting shapes mental functioning is through the cultural tools employed. 2. Mediation provides a formulation of how this shaping occurs. 3. In order to specify how cultural tools exist and have their effects, it is essential to focus on human action as a unit of analysis. This landmark volume defines a general approach to sociocultural psychology, one that we hope will be debated and redefined as the field moves forward. Sociocultural Studies of Mind is crucial reading for researchers and graduate students in cognitive science, philosophy, and cultural anthropology.

"...highly recommendable as a target reference for discussion as well as an introductory textbook." Giyoo Hatano, Mind, Culture, and Activity "...provides a veritable reflection of diverse directions within different psychological traditions into which Vygotskian ideas are developing in different countries." Alex Kozulin, Contemporary Psychology "For those familiar with a sociocultural approach, this book furnishes several interesting discussions regarding unresolved issues in the area as well as some useful empirical illustrations. For those new to the approach, the book provides a broad collection of ideas that will serve as a useful introduction to a promising perspective for the discipline." Mary Gauvain, Applied Cognitive Psychology