Social Constructionist Psychology
About this ebook
- How can ideas about the social construction of reality be reconciled with the material and embodied aspects of our being?
- In what ways can a realist framework inform social constructionist research?
- What are the limits of social constructionism?
The book explores the growing conviction that dominant 'discursive' trends in social constructionism - which deal with the analysis of language and discourse to the exclusion of the material world, embodiment, personal-social history, and power - are inadequate or incomplete and risk preventing social constructionism from maturing into a viable and coherent body of theory, method and practice. In highlighting what are seen as deficiencies in current constructionist approaches, it inevitably takes a somewhat critical stance. However, the contributing authors are committed to a constructionist analysis of the human condition - into which they seek to reintegrate the material and embodied aspects of our nature. As a result, the completion of social constructionism is brought a step closer and its continued importance is underlined.
About the author
John Cromby teaches psychology in the Department of Interdisciplinary Human Studies at the University of Bradford. He previously worked as a researcher in medical settings, including learning disabilities and drug addiction. His research has been concerned with issues of self, identity and subjectivity, and with educational applications of 'virtual reality' computer systems.
