The development of thinking is discussed from a sociocultural perspective, with particular attention to how Super and Harkness’ [1986] concept of ‘developmental niche’ may be used as a framework for organizing cognitive developmental research in relation to culture. Three subsystems of the developmental niche that play a role in organizing and directing cognitive development are presented and illustrated empirically: (a) activity goals and values of the culture and its members; (b) historical means represented in material and symbolic tools for satisfying cultural goals and values, and (c)higher-level structures that instantiate cultural goals and values in everyday practices. Arguments are made for the utility of this approach in furthering understanding of the precise linkages between culture and cognition.