Reference no: EM133486119

Science is influenced not only by its historical context but also by the prevailing social and cultural context. This prevailing context is sometimes referred to as the zeitgeist - the spirit of the times. Psychological research and its application exist in a reciproval relationship with society: research has an effect on and is affected by society. The social and cultural context can influence what researchers choose to study, the resources available to support their research, and society's acceptance of their findings. For example, researchers have developed new programs because of an increasing emphasis on women's issues (and because of increasing numbers of women doing research). Topics in this emerging area include the "glass ceiling" that impedes women's advancement in organizations, the interplay between work and family for dual-career couples, the effects of availability of quality child care on productivity in the workforce and on children's development. Social and cultural attitudes can affect not only what researchers study but how they choose to do their research. Society's attitude toward bilingualism, for instance, can affect whether researchers emphasize problems that arise for bilingual education or the benefits that children gain from bilingual education.