Batja Mesquita

Batja Mesquita, a social psychologist and author of "Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions," explores the fascinating interplay between emotions and culture. She argues that emotions aren’t just individual feelings but arise in social contexts, varying greatly across societies. Mesquita shares anecdotes about her experiences as a Dutch academic in America, revealing how cultural differences shape emotional expressions and communication. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating emotional landscapes, especially in diverse environments.

Batja Mesquita, social psychologist at Belgium’s University of Leuven, challenges the notion of universal emotions. She explains how emotions are culturally determined, highlighting the differences in anger and parental love across cultures. The podcast explores the implications of cultural differences in emotional interactions and discusses the speaker's inspirations, influences, and personal background in psychological research.

Batja Mesquita, a social psychologist, discusses how culture influences emotions with Xavier Bonilla. They cover the distinctions between emotions, universalist vs. social constructionist theories, expression of emotions, shame across cultures, and emotional acculturation to new environments. Mesquita's expertise in cultural psychology sheds light on diverse emotional experiences and the impact of cultural norms on emotional expressions.