Description

Classic and Contemporary Perspectives in Social Psychology illuminates the dynamic linkages among social organization, interaction processes, attitudes, and the self. It exposes students to the broad range of topics of interest to social psychologists and to the diverse methods that they use. Bringing together a wide variety of captivating classic and contemporary selections, this anthology includes work from a symbolic interactionist perspective as well as studies informed by expectation states theory, experimental social psychology, and life course sociology. The selections address the social psychological underpinnings and outcomes of group dynamics, social stratification, bureaucracy, deviant behavior, globalization, and technological change.

The reader's innovative structure allows students to experience the foundational work of influential sociologists and psychologists through the lens of cutting-edge issues. This groundbreaking collection features brief excerpts from the classic literature of social psychology (by Emory Bogardus, Melvin Kohn, Stanley Milgram, Muzafer Sherif, Philip Zimbardo, and others). These texts are paired with explanatory comments by the editors and contemporary writings that show the earlier studies' relevance to contemporary social issues. Classic and Contemporary Perspectives in Social Psychology is enhanced by several pedagogical features, including introductory comments that highlight the connections between the classic and contemporary selections, highly engaging discussion questions for each article and unit, and a wide variety of supplemental resources (readings, websites, films, and radio programs). It is ideal for both undergraduate and graduate courses in social psychology.

Reviews

"Sharon Preves and Jeylan Mortimer, both leading researchers, have compiled a lively set of classic and current writings on social psychology that taken together indicate that important themes have tied the discipline for a century. This collection of grand works--from Georg Simmel and George Herbert Mead to current practitioners such as Philip Zimbardo and David Snow--indicate the continued energy of the field. Students who are provided with such an array of scholarship will be inspired to continue the bridge building that this volume does so effectively."--Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern University

"Classic and Contemporary Perspectives in Social Psychology shows students that social psychology is the study of many various social behaviors. It allows students to see how perspectives and topics of study in social psychology have changed over time, and how approaches can be applied to different areas of study. They also have the opportunity to read some of the classic writings in social psychology. This is a really unique and useful set of readings (and discussion questions). Very thoughtful organization too!"--Terri L. Orbuch, Oakland University

"I am quite pleased that the book offers so much information in one place. I spend countless hours searching the web for these kinds of resources! Additionally, I like the use of both contemporary and classic texts. Preves and Mortimer have chosen the very best of social psychology in this book, and I'm confident that this book will inspire many undergraduates and grab the interest of even more students. . . . It is a one-stop resource for teachers."--Tiffani Everett, University of Georgia

Product Details

448 pages; 7 illus.; 7-1/2 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-973399-6ISBN10: 0-19-973399-6

About the Author(s)

Companion Resources

The following resources are available from the "Classic and Contemporary Perspectives in Social Psychology: A Reader" companion site:

• Section I.A
• Section I.B
• Section II.A
• Section II.B
• Section II.C
• Section II.D
• Section III.A
• Section III.B
• Section III.C
• Section III.D
• Section III.E
• Section IV.A
• Section IV.B
• Section IV.C
• Section V.A
• Section V.B
• Section V.C
• Section VI.A
• Section VI.B
• Section VI.C