Intersubjective Culture: The Role of Intersubjective Perceptions in Cross-Cultural Research

TLDR: The intersubjective approach is proposed as a new approach to understanding the role that culture plays in human behavior and the implications are discussed for understanding the interaction between the individual, ecology, and culture.

Abstract: Intersubjective perceptions refer to shared perceptions of the psychological characteristics that are widespread within a culture. In this article, we propose the intersubjective approach as a new approach to understanding the role that culture plays in human behavior. In this approach, intersubjective perceptions, which are distinct from personal values and beliefs, mediate the effect of the ecology on individuals’ responses and adaptations. We review evidence that attests to the validity and utility of the intersubjective approach in explicating culture’s influence on human behaviors and discuss the implications of this approach for understanding the interaction between the individual, ecology, and culture; the nature of cultural competence; management of multicultural identities; cultural change; and measurement of culture.