| Abstract: | Sociological understandings of culture in action have benefited greatly from Ann Swidler’s (1986, 2001) contributions. In this paper, I argue that these contributions can be enriched by integrating an explicit model of culture in the mind that interacts with culture in the world to shape action. Like previous work by Vaisey (2008; 2009) and Lizardo and Strand (2010), this paper draws on insights from contemporary cognitive science and neuroscience. The paper extends these prior analyses, but argues that they have understated the consistency of Swidler’s implicit cognitive models with established science about the brain and mental functions. I also draw on scientific understandings of brain function to expand on Swidler’s own characterization of her work as “an identity model of culture in action”. I consider the value of having a model of mental function that includes self processes for adjudicating apparent contradictions in and adding clarity to Swidler’s account. I conclude by considering the value of a model of mind for strengthening a sociological understanding of culture in action. |