A History of Social Psychology
A History of Social Psychology
$39.00
USDThe term 'social psychology' was first established in the 1860s but the issues surrounding the subject have evolved over a much longer period. This book follows the history of the discipline over two and a half centuries, demonstrating the links between early and current thought. The first attempts at empirical approaches were made in France during the Enlightenment whilst some modern ideas were also being anticipated in Scotland. The search for laws of mind and society began in nineteenth-century Europe and, by the end of the century, it changed direction. Darwinian theory made a powerful impact on the emerging discipline and the centre of gravity began to move to America where it reached maturity during the inter-war period. A History of Social Psychology is viewed against a background of radical social and political changes and includes sketches of the major figures involved in its rise.
- Features general overviews for each chapter providing easy orientation
- Contains frequent citations of classical authors to give students a 'feel' for each period
- Includes portraits of prominent figures in the field
Reviews & endorsements
"Jahoda does an excellent job of taking centuries of high-profile thinkers and weaving them into his defined history of social psychology...The approach captures the history and development of social science in a readable, enjoyable fashion that allows a glimpse into the science, culture, personality, and philosophy of those involved. The book is very readable for a history text and maintains its integrity to the theme. The chapters are to the point, and Jahoda conveys some very complex information in an approachable style. The book covers an interesting area in the development of science and social science, and it provides a level of analysis and description that is a welcome addition....recommended read for all those interested in the development of social scientific thought and, in a time of spiraling cost, does seem to be reasonably priced."
--Robert A. Bischoff, PsycCRITIQUES
Product details
June 2007Hardback
9780521868280
254 pages
255 × 180 × 20 mm
0.61kg
11 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Part I. Eighteenth Century: Enlightenment Precursors:
- 1. France. A short-lived dawn of empirical social science
- 2. Britain. Interpersonal relations and cultural differences
- Part II. Nineteenth Century: The Gestation of Social Psychology in Europe:
- 3. Germany. Herbart's and his followers' societal psychology
- 4. France and Belgium. Adventurous blueprints for a new social science
- 5. Britain. Logic, evolution, and the social in mind
- 6. France. Crowd, public, and collective mentalities
- 7. Germany. In the shadow of Wundt
- 8. America. Darwinian social psychology crosses the Atlantic
- Part III. Twentieth Century: Towards Maturity in America:
- 9. Was 1908 a crucial date?
- 10. Social psychology becomes empirical: groups (social facilitation) and attitudes
- 11. The wider panorama of social psychology by the mid-thirties
- 12. Highlights of the inter-war years
- Concluding reflections.
