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Culture & Psychology
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A Cultural-Psychological Analysis of Emotions

Carl Ratner

Trinidad, USA

I argue that an activity theory—which regards emotions as interdependent and interpenetrating with other cultural phenomena—is central for the cultural psychology of emotions. Activity theory maintains that the cultural characteristics, development and functions of psychological phenomena are shaped by social activities and cultural concepts. I present evidence that activity theory is central for the cultural psychology of emotions. I also explain the relation of biological to cultural factors in shaping the characteristics and development of emotions. Evidence is presented which shows that biological processes—hormones, neurotransmitters, autonomic reactions— underlie (mediate) but do not determine emotional qualities and expressions. Particular qualities and expressions are determined by cultural processes and factors.

Key Words: activity theory • agency • narrative • psychobiology • social constructionism • socialization • Vygotsky

Culture & Psychology, Vol. 6, No. 1, 5-39 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/1354067X0061001
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