An Interview with K. J. Gergen (Part I) Culture and Self in Postmodern Psychology: Dialogue in Trouble?

Background Kenneth J. Gergen, a prominent name in psychology, has provided extensive commentaries on contemporary transformations in western cultural life, the basis of these changes in technological innovation, and the implications for our conceptions of self and the practices of human science more recently (Gergen, 1991, 1992, 1994). As a psychologist with interests in theory of knowledge, cultural variation and human change, it seemed important to me to address and deliberate with him on the relevant issues of postmodernism, and its implications for the study of culture and psychology. The discussion began in May 1994 at Swarthmore College, USA, and continued on electronic mail. A shortened and edited version of this dialogue is offered here in the hope of stimulating further relational thoughts and inviting 'joint action' (Shotter, 1980) in our field of intellectual inquiry.