Vygotsky’s sociocultural perspective on the development of mind and Piaget’s constructivist perspective are compared and contrasted within the framework of questions regarding how societies reproduce themselves within the next generation and how cultures are adaptively transformed by individuals. Both Vygotsky’s and Piaget’s theories are consistent with the conceptualization of mind and society in terms of their mutual interpenetration. In Vygotsky’s theory the emphasis is on education and the transmission of knowledge from older to younger generations. In Piaget’s theory the emphasis is on the construction of new knowledge that has the potential for transforming culture, society, and history. Both theories are lacking in their recognition of and accounting for the emancipatory interest of humans. The contrasts between Vygotsky’s and Piaget’s theories, and opportunities for building on their theories, are illustrated by the example of racism, a product of mind. Racism in American society is briefly discussed as an illustration of both individual and societal racism.

Keywords:
Culture, Individual, Mind, Piaget, Racism, Society, Vygotsky
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.