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Windows on the 21st Century

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Abstract

Behavior analysis is a cultural system of which the Association for Behavior Analysis is a component cultural system. As cultural systems, they are composed of interlocking behavioral contingencies that constitute their cultural practices. Critical to the survival of both cultural systems is the frequency of interaction with and the nature of the content of the behavioral contingencies composing those cultural practices. The strengths of behavior analysis as a cultural system include its disciplinary character and its worldwide community of scientists and practitioners; its ability to be integrated into a scientific worldview; its track record in providing effective solutions to problems of importance to society; and the high levels of intellect, competence, and commitment that are characteristic of its participants. Weaknesses of behavior analysis are its status as an academic orphan, its relatively small size and its underdeveloped professional identity, and a lack of sociopolitical sophistication among many of its members. Behavior analysis will need to maximize its strengths and mitigate its weaknesses if it is to take advantage of the many opportunities available for growth in the modern world.

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  1. Center for Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA

    Sigrid S. Glenn

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This manuscript is based on my 1992 presidential address at the 19th annual convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis in Chicago. I dedicate it to the memory of Donald L. Whaley, my teacher, whose profound understanding of human behavior provided a constant source of motivation for his students.

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Glenn, S.S. Windows on the 21st Century. BEHAV ANALYST 16, 133–151 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392619

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