Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:01
Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
Culture, personal experience and agency
John McCarthy1, Paul Sullivan, Peter Wright
1Department of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Ireland. john.mccarthy@ucc.ie
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|June 10, 2006
Summary
Practice theories often overlook personal experiences of agency. This study contrasts theoretical representations with lived experiences, using Bakhtin
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Philosophy
- Education
Background:
- A perceived disconnect exists between how agency is theorized in practice theories and how it is personally experienced.
- Theoretical frameworks in practice theories may prioritize abstract representations over the nuances of individual lived experiences.
- This can lead to a silencing of particular experiences and diverse voices within the discourse on agency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the gap between theoretical articulations of agency and personal experiences of agency.
- To identify elements within practice theories that favor theoretical representation over personal experience.
- To present Mikhail Bakhtin's philosophy of action and personal experience as a viable alternative.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of practice theories concerning the representation of agency.
- Examination of Mikhail Bakhtin's philosophical concepts related to action and lived experience.
- Case study analysis of an artist-teacher's subjective experience of agency in art-making and teaching.
Main Results:
- Practice theories, while focusing on practice, can inadvertently create a gap by overemphasizing theoretical representation.
- Bakhtin's philosophy offers a framework that prioritizes and validates personal experience and action.
- The artist-teacher's experience highlights the richness and complexity of agency when personal experience is centered.
Conclusions:
- A greater commitment to representing the particularity of lived experience is needed in practice theories.
- Centering personal experience, as exemplified by Bakhtin's approach, provides a more authentic account of agency.
- Theoretical representationalism can distort or diminish the understanding of an artist's activities and personal agency.
Related Concept Videos
01:23The Role of Culture
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
01:30Self Within Cultural Contexts
Cultural frameworks for understanding the self are often categorized into two broad orientations: individualism and collectivism. These paradigms influence how people define themselves, relate to others, and interpret their social worlds. Each orientation offers distinct perspectives on autonomy, responsibility, and the role of the individual within a community.Individualistic CulturesIn individualistic cultures like North America and Western Europe, identity is understood as autonomous and...
01:26Self-Esteem and Culture
Self-esteem, a core psychological construct, is intricately shaped by cultural context and varies significantly between collectivist and individualistic societies. In collectivist cultures such as Japan, self-esteem tends to be flexible, context-sensitive, and influenced by relationships. A Japanese student, for instance, may show restraint in formal settings like school but behave more openly among close friends, reflecting the flexible and dynamic nature of self-concept in such...
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
01:26Cultural Influences on Personality
Individualist and collectivist cultures emphasize different core values, shaping personality in distinct ways. In individualist cultures, such as those in the United States, England, and Australia, people prioritize independence, competition, and personal achievement. These societies tend to promote self-focused traits, with individuals often reporting higher levels of self-esteem. In contrast, collectivist cultures, commonly found in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, emphasize...