Social Constructionist Psychology: A Critical Analysis of Theory and Practice

* 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?This accessible text draws together for the first time a wide range of emerging issues, ideas and discussions in constructionist psychology. It shows how these issues are relevant to everyday life, using carefully-chosen examples to illustrate its arguments, and provides a coherent and challenging introduction to the field.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.

Ian Burkitt lectures in sociology and social psychology at the University of Bradford, UK Erica Burman is Professor of Psychology and Women's Studies in the Discourse Unit at the Manchester metropolitan University Vivien Burr is Principal Lecturer in psychology in the Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Huddersfield Trevor Butt is a senior lecturer in psychology in the School of Human and Health Sciences at the University of Huddersfield John Cromby teaches psychology in the Department of Interdisciplinary Human Studies at the University of Bradford, UK Rom Harre is Professor of Psychology at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, and Emeritus Fellow, Linacre College, Oxford, UK Christine Kenwood is currently completing a thesis Mike Michael teaches sociology at the Department of Sociology, Goldsmiths' College, University of London Marisela Montenegro is a graduate student at the Universidad Central de Venezuela David J. Nightingale teaches critical psychology in the Psychology Department at Bolton Institute Ian Parker is Professor of Psychology in the Discourse Unit at Bolton Institute Joan Pujol is Senior Lecturer at the University Autonoma de Barcelona Rex Stainton Rogers died on 8 February 1999. His work was as a critical psychologist and a critical theorist more generally. He will be particularly remembered as the instigator of 'Beryl Curt' -- as well as for the careers of many critical psychologists that he nurtured. He will also be fondly remembered for his ability to turn 'half' into an art form, as an outstanding breakfast chef, and for the mischievous pleasure he took in making trouble Wendy Stainton Rogers is a senior lecturer in the School of Health and Social Welfare at The Open University Penny Standen is currently carrying out research on the use of computers by people with learning disabilities Carla Willig is Lecturer in Psychology at City University, London