Bridging Some Intercultural Gaps: Methodological Reflections from Afar

Abstract

Identity formation and self construction are inherently cultural phenomena. Although it may seem that human psychology–e.g., basic traits, tendencies, “characteristics,” or even the definition of self–are universal and ahistorical, this essentialist view is quite erroneous and needs to be recognized and avoided. Generalizations grounded in good, vigorous scientific research about these issues should be hedged and clearly positioned within a time/space matrix. Inferences projected from one site onto other cultural sites may result in falsely imposing one set of values, norms, and overall social criteria on another, perhaps leading into a biased colonialism. This also applies to issues concerning the formation of a homosexual identity. It may be redundant to recall that the concept of homosexuality is merely 135 years old (Foucault, 1978). Indeed, the Homosexual Species is but a modern being and a very much “Western” one. Yet, the past century with its incessant desire for a hygienic society (Sedgwick, 1993) made it a prime object for research, while concealing its cultural-specific predisposition. This endeavor, alongside the vast