Critical resistance to traditional empirical methods and the quest for foundational knowledge of human action is widespread. Recognition of theoretical and methodological inadequacies has sparked a search for a more robust conception of human science. This fascinating and carefully reasoned book develops the argument for human science as social construction. Demonstrating that descriptions of human action can neither be derived from nor corrected by scientific observation, Gergen provides a bold interdisciplinary challenge to traditional views, thus clearing the way for significant alterations in scientific practice. In the preface to the Second Edition, Gergen describes the major movements taking place since the First Edition was published over a decade ago.
This volume explores the new possibilities for the therapeutic process of adopting a social constructionist perspective. The first part of the book looks at the theoretical basis for social constructionist therapy, including the implications for client-therapist relationships. Authors then explore various approaches in practice, including "irreverant therapy", "the not-knowing therapist", the creative significance of difference, and the role of reflexivity. A number of case-studies are presented. The final section presents a mixture of overview, self-critique and agenda for the future. The text is suitable for therapists, counsellors, clinical psychologists and those in helping professions providing therapeutic services to their clients.
This latest book by one the world's leading protagonists in the field will be welcomed not just by psychologists but by students, academics and professionals interested in social constructionism across a wide range of subjects. Social Construction in Context explores the potentials of social constructionist theory when placed in diverse ......
This latest book by one the world's leading protagonists in the field will be welcomed not just by psychologists but by students, academics and professionals interested in social constructionism across a wide range of subjects. Social Construction in Context explores the potentials of social constructionist theory when placed in diverse ......
Social constructionism does far more than unsettle our traditional beliefs in truth, objectivity, and knowledge; thrown into question is also the right of any particular group to claim it has the ultimate authority to any form of knowledge. Such a conclusion has enormous repercussions in the academic community and beyond. This Reader introduces a number of important contributions to contemporary constructionism and charts the development of thought from its very beginnings. The 34 excerpts represent the major viewpoints central to social constructionism including the voices of 42 prominent scholars in philosophy, ethnography, cultural studies, feminist thought and the wider social sciences. In concert with K J Gergen's Invitation to Social Construction (SAGE, 1999), or as a stand-alone text, it is a compendium of achievements in the field and will be an invaluable resource for students. Introductory essays by the editors give intellectual coherence to these diverse pieces and allow greater insight into emergent trends. Social Construction: A Reader will be required reading on courses across the social sciences but especially psychology, sociology, communication studies, cultural studies, human sciences and education.
Social constructionism does far more than unsettle our traditional beliefs in truth, objectivity, and knowledge; thrown into question is also the right of any particular group to claim it has the ultimate authority to any form of knowledge. Such a conclusion has enormous repercussions in the academic community and beyond. This Reader introduces a number of important contributions to contemporary constructionism and charts the development of thought from its very beginnings. The 34 excerpts represent the major viewpoints central to social constructionism including the voices of 42 prominent scholars in philosophy, ethnography, cultural studies, feminist thought and the wider social sciences. In concert with K J Gergen's Invitation to Social Construction (SAGE, 1999), or as a stand-alone text, it is a compendium of achievements in the field and will be an invaluable resource for students. Introductory essays by the editors give intellectual coherence to these diverse pieces and allow greater insight into emergent trends. Social Construction: A Reader will be required reading on courses across the social sciences but especially psychology, sociology, communication studies, cultural studies, human sciences and education.
Relational Responsibility replaces tradition al ideas on individual responsibility by giving centre stage to the relational process thereby replacing alienation with meaningful dialogue. '
This fully updated fourth edition of Gergen's An Invitation to Social Construction introduces you to a key theoretical movement in contemporary social science through a wide range of multidisciplinary examples. The fourth edition includes: wider consideration of contemporary global challenges, increased coverage of media, digital culture, and relevant political issues, updated real-world examples of social constructionist theory in action, in research, education, therapy, organizations, and peace building. This book brings together complex theories that inform and critically build upon social constructionism, such as narratology, deconstruction, dialogism, positivism, and post-structuralism, in a way that is accessible for students and researchers alike. It is a vital resource for those studying social psychology and critical social psychology who are looking for a comprehensive guide to one of the core topics in the field. Kenneth J Gergen is Senior Research Professor in Psychology at Swarthmore College, and the President of the Taos Institute.
This fully updated fourth edition of Gergen's An Invitation to Social Construction introduces you to a key theoretical movement in contemporary social science through a wide range of multidisciplinary examples. The fourth edition includes: wider consideration of contemporary global challenges, increased coverage of media, digital culture, and relevant political issues, updated real-world examples of social constructionist theory in action, in research, education, therapy, organizations, and peace building. This book brings together complex theories that inform and critically build upon social constructionism, such as narratology, deconstruction, dialogism, positivism, and post-structuralism, in a way that is accessible for students and researchers alike. It is a vital resource for those studying social psychology and critical social psychology who are looking for a comprehensive guide to one of the core topics in the field. Kenneth J Gergen is Senior Research Professor in Psychology at Swarthmore College, and the President of the Taos Institute.
