Product Description

'this book provides an excellent introduction to contemporary Critical Social Psychology, which anyone exploring the field would do well to read.'

- Psychology in Society

'a very accessible introduction... lively and engaging.... Discussion questions are uncharacteristicaly thought-provoking, while practical exercises also seem better considered than one comes to expect from similar primers, suggesting a successful future as a core text in social psychology courses'

- The Psychologist

'Erudition, sagacity, patience and scholarship radiate from this book. This is an excellent introduction to the various strands of critical thinking to emanate primarily from England, and, to some extent, from continental Europe. Anyone interested in learning more about the discursive side of critical psychology will find in this book an excellent guide. I recommend this book to all psychologists interested in critical perspectives'

- Journal of Community and Applied Psychology

A critical approach depends on a range of often-implicit theories of society, knowledge, as well as the subject. This book shows the crucial role of these theories for directing critique at different parts of society, suggesting alternative ways of doing research, and effecting social change. It includes chapters from the perspectives of social cognition, Marxism, psychoanalysis, discourse and rhetoric, feminism, subjectivity and postmodernism. In each case, the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective are highlighted, the ideas are linked to real world issues by a range of practical exercises, and guidance is given to further reading.These chapters will cover the work of diverse thinkers from within social psychology, such as Billig, Gergen, Kitzinger, Parker, Potter, Shotter, Walkerdine and Wetherell, and from outside, such as Butler, Derrida, Foucault, Haraway, Lyotard, Marx and Rose.

An Introduction to Critical Social Psychology provides a systematic, integrated and accessible introduction to social psychology as a critical discipline. Consequently, it will be key reading for undergraduates and postgraduates studying Critical Social Psychology, and useful additional reading for postgraduates studying theoretical psychology and qualitative methods.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13747 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 278 pages

Customer Reviews

the 'critical' unpacked
I am surprised by the negative comments in the above review (1st December, 2003). As a lecturer and researcher, I have found Hepburn's book to be the most clearly written and comprehensive text on critical social psychology currently available. Many students have difficulty in understanding what is meant by 'critical' psychology. This book not only unpacks this concisely and engagingly but provides the reader with a neat tour of the philisophical bases of critical psychological theory and method and the key people involved in its development. The clear structure makes the book accessible to undergraduates and because each chapter is self-contained it can be readily referenced. An excellent book.

An Introduction to Critical Social Psychology
Hepburn brings critical social psychology to life. It's one of those rare academic texts that can be enjoyably read from start to finish, like a novel. Through clear prose she introduces a comprehensive range of critical approaches to the undergraduate, postgraduate, or just plain interested, reader. Introducing each, she tells us who they are, why they are, and what they have to offer the field of social psychology. It is refreshing to see the critical approach being forwarded with such honesty and humour. Her "best thing about" and "worst thing about" sections are actually funny! To her credit, this may prove a somewhat unnerving read for the essentialist who would rather not see their unfounded assumptions so clearly pointed out.

clear and challenging exploration
Alexa Hepburn's book is a well organised, cohesive exploration of a complex subject. The main perspectives are introduced, explored, and critiqued - and links are made across traditions and to other aspects of psychology/sociology practice. Many of the ideas central to critical practice in any subject come from very challenging philosophical traditions and to convey this with clarity - whilst not losing sight of the essential arguments - is a real skill. Arguments are presented in the round, although her 'voice' in shaping the arguments is always present. The only issue I have with this book is that the personal tone that often helps to carry the reader through difficult debates, (very) occasionally becomes rather strident or judgement without a reflexive self-knowingness (e.g. comments on the readership of particular newspapers)

My first degree was in social psychology so it felt like something of a 'home coming' for me having spent 15 years in less politicised and more postivist arena of clinical psychology and lecturing. In fact, I found myself dearly wishing I could go back to my first degeree using the greater knowledge and experience I have now to re-engage with these ideas and thinking about how I might bring these ideas into my clinical practice. Any book which has the potential to inspire in this way is worthwhile!