Multicultural Psychology Paper

Multicultural Psychology Paper

Shantel Gilbert
PSYCH/535
June 18, 2012
Dr. Gretchen Brandhorst

Multicultural Psychology
Multicultural psychology is the systematic study of all aspects of human behavior as it occurs in settings where people of different cultural backgrounds encounter each other. Multiculturalism has been considered a “fourth force” in the field of psychology, supplementing behaviorism, psychodynamic theories, and humanistic psychology. Such topics as differences consist of in worldviews and in means of communication; the acculturation process; stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism; cultural identity development; and building multicultural competence. Multicultural psychology by
definition, " Multi-cultural psychology is a body that studies on all aspects of human behavior through focusing on cultural differences among the people from various parts of the world. Basically, multi-cultural psychology investigates on what is perceived as acceptable and un-acceptable behavioral characteristics among the people. On top of considering on normal lives at social institutions and homes among other, multi-cultural psychology also focuses on what is usually considered as being ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’. According to Hall, Gordon Nagayama (2009), "It is important to note that, each sub-group in the society has its specific behaviors and norms; in which in broad terms, various behaviors of these sub-groups are studied generally under multi-cultural psychology."

The History of Multicultural Psychology
History of Multicultural Psychology As the new millennium has become present, there has been a shift in people’s residence globally. This transformation is causing our communities to take on a new gander; our communities are more diverse now acting as a melting pot for many individuals. The melting pot is no longer a simple ingredient; it has become a bowl of Louisiana gumbo and Campbell alphabet soup; and the cultures are as plentiful as the number of alphabets. What makes this even more a phenomenon is the crossover of cultures; cultures marrying into other cultures. Another possibility to consider is the cultures within a family cultural called acculturation. These combinations can make for dirty water or a sweet tasting delicatessen depending on a person’s perspective and taste. The results rest in how closely involved he or she decides to participate in the cooking process. One thing for sure is this infusion of cultures is a hand on experience. With all this activity; no wonder America is becoming more confused with its identity. In the text it states that the presidency is symbolic of America; if this statement be true then it’s appropriate that America have an ushering in of multicultural psychology with our new president. The neglected variable The neglected variable is the absence of cultural studies in mainstream research since early times.
This neglect was not limited to culture; included was women, gays, lesbians, and people of color, just about anyone who did not fit the European prototype. The main reason behind this neglect can be seen in the American Psychological Association; the group that is the gatekeeper of the psychological world. In this organization people have aspired to his or her apex within the profession, know today as a doctorate of psychology. Over 90% of doctorate psychologist is European American (Bernal & Castro, 1994). This group is dominated by men who have over time contended that most of them do not see themselves as a part of an ethnicity. Rather they would prefer to be known as an America, neither European American nor white. The political correct attitude of colorblindness highlights the void of cultural study. When research was conducted it was done so with European American as participants. This was seen as a standard practice for studying psychology and the study results were revealed as applicable to non European Americans. Culture and Ethnicity was considered and most often viewed as a nuisance that complicated things rather than contributing to the
understanding.

Discrimination According to the text; for a person whom does not view the world from a cultural framework, the consideration of cultural differences may be equated with discrimination (CF Albert, 1988). The advancing of this thought can be seen in this statement as ‘all humans’ share the experiences. Another deterrent to add to the blockage of advancement during this period is the fear of stereotyping others. The belief was to ignore and it would disappear. The acceptance of these practices made for difficult challenges to be overcome. Federal funding assisted in bridging the gap and provided assist with bringing a face to multiculturalism. Influence One word of importance when studying this construct is ‘influence.’ It set the tone of the whole study and understanding of multicultural psychology. Influence is the central magnet that pulls us in and make us want to know more of how, why, when, and where. Influence has the power to push us into action; with this action there must be a responsibility to make healthy choices. Choices leads us to making decisions and our decision must encompass openness to always see the big picture when dealing with multiculturalism. Influences affect our ability to detach from old ideas and beliefs that may not be serving us and the best interest of all parties involved. Influence is paramount and open mindedness is the gate way to unlocking many mysteries to this new phenomenon. Detachment is the lubricant that seen our wheels into motion. All three are important when considering the cascading effects each can have on multicultural psychology. Multicultural psychology-Subspecialty (Collett, 2007, p. 17-25) Increasing global migration and interconnectedness presents us with the challenge of finding ways to incorporate diversity and its inherent potential for change. This explanation allows us to explore the depths of why multicultural psychology has shifted into a subspecialty of psychology. If this statement coupled with the history, discriminatory practice, arrogance, and the current roles and demands of the APA; a person would truly see the necessity of seeing this discipline move forward to its own specialty. A tremendous call is being made to the workforce and academia world to provide quality people to service this discipline. The field of psychology is already burden with trying to keep up with the many disorders, therefore, its fitting to dedicate quality attention to multicultural psychology as a discipline.

Multi-cultural psychology has various roles in the society.
Being concerned with the way cultures interrelate and intercalate in terms of behaviors, multi-cultural psychology enhances the strategies and basics for co-existence among the various cultural groups in the society. More specifically, multi-cultural psychology facilitates the understanding of the society in terms of its diverse cultures in order to suggest ways and means for co-existence. Considering the fact that, each culture has its unique behavior characteristics different from the others, there arises the urge and need to come up with various strategies which would enhance the integration of these diverse cultures in pursuit of co-existence. By so doing, multi-cultural psychology enhances globalization since individuals from all parts of the world would be made to intercalate and co-exist (Segall, Dasen, & Berry,
1999).
More so, multicultural psychology helps to improve communication among the people. Considering that each culture has its values which determine its behaviors and perceptions, through multi-cultural psychology it would be easier for individuals to understand each other despite coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is important to note that, through multi-cultural psychology, concepts are developed through redefining what is ‘normal’ and what is ‘abnormal’. More specifically, communication among individuals would be enhanced through a common knowledge, resulting into coherence and harmony among the people in the society (Hall, Gordon Nagayama, 2009).

Conclusion for the Establishment of Multicultural Psychology
Multicultural psychology is significant in the society in the way it has enhanced international cohesiveness and harmony across the world through globalizations. It should be noted that, it only through understands the world cultural groups that international understanding would be established. In this regard, multi-cultural psychology has to a great extent enhanced globalizations since all sub-cultural groups across the world have been integrated into common systems of communication among others through globalization and modernization. It should be importantly noted that, through multi-cultural psychology, the world’s cultures and behaviors have been integrated and incarnated into a common system of knowledge as a result of globalization (Hall, Gordon Nagayama, 2009).
More so, the multi-cultural psychology has been significant in the way world’s previously diverse knowledges have been integrated into a common form of knowledge. In this regard, people have been made to able to understand each other better from one corner of the world to another, since there have been a cohesiveness in communication among the people. Generally, the effects of multi-cultural psychology in the society are quite remarkable since it has enhanced world’s internationalism (Segall, Dasen, & Berry, 1999).
Generally, it should be noted that, the role of multi-cultural psychology in the society remains quite remarkable in the way the worlds various systems have been brought together into a common understanding. More so, the world’s varied knowledges have been brought together through integration of cultures resulting into international consciousness among the people. Basically, multicultural psychology has contributed a lot towards globalization and modernization through devising of common systems among the people in the society. Further, there have been efficient communications among the people of the world through the integration of knowledges and understanding other cultures better.

Reference Page:
Hall, Gordon Nagayama, (2009). Multicultural Psychology (2nd ed.)Cohen, R. J., & Swerlik, M. E. (2002). Psychological Testing and Assessment (5th ed.). Retrieved from ISBN 0-7674-2157-4.
Segall, M. H., Dasen, P. R., & Berry, J. W. (1999). Human Behavior in Global Perspective: An Introduction to Cross Cultural Psychology (2nd ed.). : .
Collett, D. (2007). Coming Together: Power, Rank and Intercultural Interaction. Developing inclusive approaches in higher education. . International journal of diversity in organization, communities & nations, 7(14479532), 17-25. Retrieved March 3, 2009, from www.web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/detail?vid=29&hid=106&sid=cbddd815-b44e-4100-abf4-4cdb6eld6e9f%40sessionmgr102&bdata=jnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG12ZQ%3d
Hall, G., & Barongan, C. (2002). Multicultural psychology. Upper saddle river, N.J.: prentice hall/ peason Inc.