This book honors the life and work of the late W. Barnett Pearce, a leading theorist in the communication field. The book is divided into four sections. The first section will lead with an essay by Barnett Pearce. This will be followed by sections on (1) practical theory, (2) dialogue, and (3) social transformation. In the broadest sense, these are probably the three general themes found in the work of Pearce and his colleagues. In another sense, these categories also identify three important dimensions of Pearce's major contribution, the theory of the Coordinated Management of Meaning.

Since the early 1970s, social psychology has been in crisis. At the time Reconstructing Social Psychology (Armistead) provided a critical review of theories and assumptions in the discipline. Originally published in 1990, this title not only updates that review but illustrates the ways in which assumptions had changed at the time. The crisis is no longer seen as one which can be resolved within social psychology itself, but rather as one more deeply rooted in modern society. The contributors look at the issues raised by deconstruction in the other human sciences, as well as investigating the claims made by social psychology as a discipline. They examine the rhetoric and texts of social psychology, analysing how the texts which hold the discipline together obtain their power. The arguments include the political implications of deconstructive ideas, focusing on particular issues such as research, therapy and feminism. Deconstructing Social Psychology presents a strong selection of new critical writing in social psychology. It will still be a useful text for students of psychology, social science, and sociology, and for those working in the area of language.

Since the early 1970s, social psychology has been in crisis. At the time Reconstructing Social Psychology (Armistead) provided a critical review of theories and assumptions in the discipline. Originally published in 1990, this title not only updates that review but illustrates the ways in which assumptions had changed at the time. The crisis is no longer seen as one which can be resolved within social psychology itself, but rather as one more deeply rooted in modern society. The contributors look at the issues raised by deconstruction in the other human sciences, as well as investigating the claims made by social psychology as a discipline. They examine the rhetoric and texts of social psychology, analysing how the texts which hold the discipline together obtain their power. The arguments include the political implications of deconstructive ideas, focusing on particular issues such as research, therapy and feminism. Deconstructing Social Psychology presents a strong selection of new critical writing in social psychology. It will still be a useful text for students of psychology, social science, and sociology, and for those working in the area of language.

Esta obra cuestiona la concepcion cientifica tradicional de detras de las apariencias es preciso descubrir un tipo sistematico de "realidades" psicologicas y sociologicas que suceden naturalmente. Realidades conversacionales afirma, por el contrario, que esas "realidades" ordenadas se construyen socialmente y se sostienen dentro del contexto de las actividades conversacionales cotidianas y desordenadas de la gente. El analisis interdisciplinario de John Shotter destaca la naturaleza socialmente construida pero imaginaria de muchas de las B+cosas de las que hablamos en la vida social, e ilumina los procesos de su "construccion." El autor propone una exploracion de vasto alcance de la naturaleza retorica y argumentativa de la comunicacion conversacional, para lo cual se vale de interesantes ejemplos tomados de la psicoterapia, la investigacion organizacional y la vida cotidiana. Con su recurso a la psicologia, los estudios comunicacionales, la antropologia, la sociologia, la historia y la sociolinguistica, este imaginativo y original libro se constituira en una lectura esencial para quienes esten interesados en los debates actuales de las ciencias sociales y humanas.

Reconstructing the Psychological Subject offers a comprehensive overview of key debates on subjectivity and the subject in psychological theory and practice. In addition to social constructionÆs long engagement with social relations, this volume addresses questions of the body, technology, intersubjectivity, writing, and investigative practices. An international cast of contributors explore the tensions and opposing viewpoints raised by these issues and shows how analyzing the psychological subject interrelates with reforming the practices of psychology. Drawing on perspectives that include feminism, dialogics, poststructuralism, hermeneutics, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and cultural or social studies of science, readers are guided through pivotal debates in the field. Reconstructing the Psychological Subject will be invaluable reading for students and academics in psychology, social constructionism, communication studies, and social studies of science.

"This book is fascinating and--eventually--might prove very valuable for those concerned with SLA." --Studies in Second Language Acquisition Imaginative and original, Conversational Realities claims that psychological and sociological "realities" are both socially constructed and sustained within the context of our everyday conversation. In this interdisciplinary analysis, John Shotter highlights the socially contested--but imaginary--nature of the "things" we talk about in our social lives and throws light on the construction processes of these "things." Using interesting examples from psychotherapy, management, and everyday life, the author offers a broad-ranging exploration of the rhetorical, argumentative nature of conversational communication. Conversational Realities should be read by academics and students of psychology, communication studies, linguistics, and sociology.