Experiences related to developing an indigenous community and social psychology
in the teaching of psychology at the University of Waikato in Aotearoa/New Zealand
are described. The process of localization emphasizes the need to interpret
"universal" concepts in terms of local cultural patterns and to elaborate psychological
concepts derived from the cultures of indigenous peoples. The localization of
psychology in New Zealand involves: (a) differences between the dominant United
States cultural pattern, in which much English-language psychology is embedded,
and New Zealand cultural patterns; and (b) differences between the dominant
Pakeha (Anglo-New Zealander) cultural patterns and the cultural patterns of
indigenous Maori peoples. These cultural differences involve contrasts between
individualistic and collective conceptions of self-identities and social identities, and
alternative conceptions of community needs.
Three processes relevant to localization are outlined: socio-cultural contextualization,
agenda-setting, and knowledge of cultural styles. Socio-cultural contextualization
refers to the relevance of psychological knowledge, taught in dominant national
institutions, to local social, cultural and political systems. Agenda-setting focuses on
how the dominant themes in teaching and research within psychology are selected,
and the relevance of these themes to community needs. Knowledge of local cultural
styles is required to describe and teach professional roles that are congruent with
such cultural styles.
