Product Description

This book aims to introduce students to the area of social science theory and research that has come to be known as social constructionism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26795 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

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

From the Back Cover
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.

Customer Reviews

Short and sweet review
If you are new to the subject of social constructionism and are looking for a book which provides a good introduction and helps the newcomer (or often new student) get to grips with the subject then this book "does exactly what it says on the tin".

It's a clear and understandable overview, who can ask for more?

Round and Round the Mulberry Bush We Go
I agree with the previous reviewer. Burr is not only readable but engaging. She is not afraid of stating her own position and describes all the different flavours of social constructionism from 'Foucauldian discourse analysis' to conversation analysis etc. In particular she distinguishes between what she calls macro constructionism which is represented for instance by Foucault's view of ideological discourses and their political implications and micro constructionism which looks at how realities are constructed at the individual level.

Burr also makes brave attempts, if in my view not wholly convincing, to tackle some major perceived gaps in social constructionist theory such as the argument that by seeing everything as socially created discourse it disqualifies its own legitimacy and the question of whether there is any such thing as a self, or any role for psychology.

It's all good fun.

simplicity of Vivien Burr
This book gives a very coherent introduction to social constructionsim and makes it very easy to understand for the lay person. I enjoyed the author's easy conversational style as she led me through the different elements of the topic. At the same time, it is a scholarly work with plenty of references for anyone who wishes to study the topic in greater depth. Her critique of socilial constructionism was also very useful. Overall I found it a very easy read.