Transcultural Group Analysis II. Use and Abuse of Cultural Differences: Analysis and Ethics

Abstract

It is proposed that a moral and ethical viewpoint can help us in analysing cultural differences in transcultural workshops and, by extension, in society at large. A developmental approach, from projection to mutual confrontation and concern, allows us to see these ways as ranging from primitive to more mature. Mature mutual respect for differences can be equated with the psychoanalytic concept of genitality. Some theoretical contributions are adduced to explain the development of this ideal state. The term `transculturality' could be used for it, implying that we can transcend culture-bounded prejudices and see at least some similarities between different cultures, and those processes which cross over and through them.