Self and Identity in African Studies

Rather than a comprehensive review of self and identity in particular settings, this article considers implications of research in African Studies for the psychological science of self and identity. The first section considers implications of research about enemies for the concept of interdependent selfways (Markus, Mullally, & Kitayama, 1997). In contrast to the positive connotations typical of studies about culture and self, this research directs attention to the dark side of interdependence. The second section considers implications of research about identity for the concept of dynamic construction (Hong, Ip, Chiu, Morris, & Menon, 2001). In contrast to the tendency to regard cultural identities as natural entities, research in African Studies directs attention to the active reproduction of cultural identity in everyday lives.