Psychology as a cultural science? Positioning of Psychology within academics in german speeking countries

Abstract

Within the framework of the Bologna Process the course of studies in psychology (BSc and Msc) at the German universities is altering. It cannot be expected that in the next future the academic discipline »Psychology« will deviate from the dominating paradigm of neurocognitivism and biopsychology, based on quantitative methodologies. Where are prospects for a psychology, expanding as a cultural and social science? Are there opportunities for pursuing such approaches within the academic setting? They are already existing, capable of further development. I am advocating not to accept or to tussle with the restrictions of the disciplinary mainstream. Scientific psychology as a project addressed to the life of human beings in their cultural relations has a future, finding its institutional location in a transdisciplinary context of cultural studies.