ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the suitable epistemological model is that of dialectical rationality. On one hand the subject’s characteristics can only have meaningful identity if they find themselves objectivised by established codes, recognised behaviour and accepted practices. On the other hand, this set of resources only makes sense through the theories of internalisation/rejection without which they are nothing more than purely formal attributes. The first question to be raised is whether theories are essentially descriptive or primarily explanatory, or in some manner a combined function. Asserting that cognitions and affects depend profoundly upon primary processes of socialisation not only sets down a theoretical assumption, but also the definition of an area where there still remains much to tackle. However, at the same time, it is reasonable to ask oneself what the theoretical significance is of the emphasis put on the variation of psychological traits attributable to separate human groups.
