This approach views that individuals’ behaviors and mental processes are strongly influenced by the social and cultural system in which they live. As cultures differ, so also their behaviors and interpretations.
An appreciable behavior in one culture may be considered abnormal in another. In order to understand behaviors completely, one needs to understand the socio-cultural factors that shape behavior. The Western psychology is predominantly uni-cultural in its focus.
Recently, psychologists are advocating for multicultural perspectives so as to understand the behaviors of people who belong to different cultures. Only then we can understand their behaviors and help them adapt to their environment. The cross-cultural psychologists advocate the understanding of the unique influences of different cultures.
Many national level policy and administrative considerations take into account a multicultural perspective while addressing the needs of people.