Social Constructionism - Hardcover

Burr, Vivien

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415317614 ISBN 13: 9780415317610

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

This accessible, yet scholarly, textbook aims to introduce students to the area of social science theory and research that has come to be known as social constructionism. Using a variety of examples from everyday experience and from existing research in areas such as personality, sexuality and health, the basic theoretical assumptions of social constructionism are clearly explained. Key debates, such as the nature and status of knowledge, truth, reality and the self are given in-depth analysis in an accessible style. The theoretical and practical issues relevant to social constructionist research are illustrated with examples from real empirical studies, and the different approaches to social constructionist research are clearly defined. While the text is broadly sympathetic to social constructionism, the weaknesses of the approach are also addressed through a critical approach to the material, and in the final chapter the theory is subjected to a more extensive critique.
Social Constructionism, Second Edition, extends and updates the material covered in the first edition and will be a useful and informative resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, as well as students from related areas such as health, social work and education.

About this title

Review:

'Social Constructionism is a substantial but well contained book which deserves to be read by a wide audience. The writer exudes a confidence with the material which will enthuse any reader.' - Richard Mallows, Head of Psychology, York St John College

Synopsis:

This book aims to introduce students to the area of social science theory and research that has come to be known as social constructionism. Using a variety of examples from everyday experience and from existing research in areas such as personality, sexuality and health, the basic theoretical assumptions of social constructionism are clearly explained. Key debates, such as the nature and status of knowledge, truth, reality and the self are given in-depth analysis in an accessible style. The theoretical and practical issues relevant to social constructionist research are illustrated with examples from real empirical studies, and the different approaches to social constructionist research are spelled out. While it is broadly sympathetic to social constructionism, the book also addresses its weaknesses through maintaining a critical approach to the material, and in the final chapter social constructionism is subjected to a more extensive critique. The book includes a glossary of key terms, and a list of suggested further reading.

Social Constructionism, Second Edition extends and updates the material covered in the first edition and will be a useful and informative resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, as well as students from related areas such as health, social work and education.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0415317614
• ISBN 13: 9780415317610
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 240