What does the Social-Cultural approach emphasize in understanding behavior?

The Social-Cultural approach emphasizes understanding behavior through the lens of societal and cultural factors that influence individuals. This perspective highlights how social contexts such as norms, values, beliefs, and traditions shape an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. It recognizes that behavior cannot be fully understood without considering the cultural environment and social settings in which people live and interact.

For example, social norms impact what is considered acceptable behavior within a group, and cultural backgrounds can influence how individuals process experiences and express emotions. This approach looks at how group dynamics, social institutions, and cultural variations across different societies affect individual behavior, making it crucial in comprehending the complexities of human interactions and social functioning.