A Psychology of Culture

A Psychology of Culture is a textbook that investigates how culture addresses core psychological, physiological, and existential needs in human life. Michael B. Salzman combines theoretical frameworks with empirical research to explain how cultural systems shape personal and collective experience.

The volume examines culture as a source of identity, self-esteem, morality, and meaning, while also exploring its role as a driver of domination and upheaval. In addition, it analyzes historical and ongoing hostilities to evaluate cultural resilience in the aftermath of trauma and to assess prospects for reconciliation between conflicting groups.

Suited especially as a graduate text, the book serves students, educators, clinicians, and practitioners across psychology, counseling, anthropology, social work, sociology, family studies, nursing, and medicine.