Emerging Trends in Culture and Concepts
Title
Emerging Trends in Culture and Concepts
Author
Ojalehto, Bethany
Medin, Douglas
Research Area
Culture
Topic
Culture and Society
Abstract
The relation between culture and concepts has long been a fascinating topic for layperson and scientist alike. But often this topic has generated more heat than light—strong claims have been paired with weak evidence, and anecdotes have been more common than empirical data. More recently, however, interdisciplinary research programs have begun to demonstrate that interest in the relation between culture and concepts is not misplaced. In this essay, we review prior, emerging, and potential future trends in culture and concepts research. Changing conceptions of culture are in turn affecting how culture is studied as well as our understanding of concepts.