Theories of Developmental Psychology for a Cultural Perspective: A Viewpoint from Africa

This paper examines the emergence of scientific psychology as a Euro-American product, which was later imported into Africa. It is argued that the current theorising in and the orientation of developmental psychology are essentially "Euro-centric" in nature and hence have limited applicability in the context of Africa. The role of culture in development is emphasised. An Afro-centric concept of child is examined and an attempt is made to demonstrate how the representation of the life course in Africa reflects African social systems and cultural realities. The author presents a new paradigm—an eco-cultural model as a conceptual framework—that takes culture and local views of human nature and development. Issues are raised pertaining to research in African cultures within the eco-cultural framework.