For over a decade the Middle East has monopolized news headlines in the West. Journalists and commentators regularly speculate that the region's turmoil may stem from the psychological momentum of its cultural traditions or of a "tribal" or "fatalistic" mentality. Yet few studies of the region's cultural psychology have provided a critical synthesis of psychological research on Middle Eastern societies.Drawing on autobiographies; literary works; ethnographic accounts; and life-history interviews; The Middle East: A Cultural Psychology; offers the first comprehensive summary of psychological writings on the region; reviewing works by psychologists; anthropologists; and sociologists that have been written in English; Arabic; and French. Rejecting stereotypical descriptions of the "Arab mind" or "Muslim mentality;' Gary Gregg adopts a life-span- development framework; examining influences on development in infancy; early childhood; late childhood; and adolescence as well as on identity formation in early and mature adulthood. He views patterns of development in the context of recent work in cultural psychology; and compares Middle Eastern patterns less with Western middle class norms than with those described for the region's neighbors: Hindu India; sub-Saharan Africa; and the Mediterranean shore of Europe. The research presented in this volume overwhelmingly suggests that the region's strife stems much less from a stubborn adherence to tradition and resistance to modernity than from widespread frustration with broken promises of modernization--with the slow and halting pace of economic progress and democratization.A sophisticated account of the Middle East's cultural psychology; The Middle East provides students; researchers; policy-makers; and all those interested in the culture and psychology of the region with invaluable insight into the lives; families; and social relationships of Middle Easterners as they struggle to reconcile the lure of Westernized life-styles with traditional values.
#1030138 in Books Stephen J Stein 2003-04-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x .53 x 8.28l; .52 #File Name: 0195158253184 pagesCommunities of Dissent A History of Alternative Religions in America
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An important study of motives in altenative American religionsBy S. PaulsonI bought this book several years ago; and have discovered I use it as a go-to book to help explain to others how to deal with their reactions to 'others.' I don't think Stein intended this succinct book to serve as a comprehensive study on NRMs; but to focus on a basic concept that is essential for understanding them. Very glad to have this well-written presentation on such an important subject in this history of American religions.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The book is an intelligent and colorful history of the forces shaping the creative ...By Kevin CornI chose this book for a freshman class that I teach in American religion. The book is an intelligent and colorful history of the forces shaping the creative periphery of American religious life. Though short; it manages to tease out many of the key elements that connect religion to the larger American culture.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy FC_GrizGreat quality and interesting read
