Recovering the potentials of non-Western psychological perspectives: Combining Chinese and Indian perspectives

Abstract

We add an Indian perspective to the effort that Wen and Wang (2013) took towards developing a cultural psychology based on Confucian roots. Their focus on contextually created co-creation of intentionality suggests a new way to conceptualize social reality. What needs to happen on elaboration of their perspective is the analysis of the process of the growth and development of the cultivated self—how will it be fulfilled, particularly in the modern world that is fast changing and placing demands upon the individual. The new perspective on cultural psychology that emerges from the contemporary intellectual efforts by psychologists in India could extend the synthesis suggested by Wen and Wang. Further links with the main theoretical achievements of occidental cultural psychologies are suggested.