Development as Transformation of Participation in Cultural Activities - Essay Example

Previously many psychologists have always thought that culture is more static and individual characteristics are secondarily affected by their cultures. Barbara Rogoff however argues against treating individuals as separate from the cultural processes and the view my most researchers that people exist independently of their cultural communities. Additionally, the author has also used diagrams to visually illustrate the mutual relationship between development and culture.

According to the cultural-historical theory, human development occurs in everyday learning opportunities which are often dependent on the social-cultural and historical of their communities. I concur with the author’s thesis that development is a transformation of participation in cultural activities. This is particularly because, in my opinion, people learn new things using the thinking tools provided by their respective cultures. On the other hand, people also contribute to the creation of cultural processes, and therefore it is true that both individuals and cultures are mutually constituted rather than separate entities.