On the relevance of social psychology

08/01/2025 | PAXIS Institute | American Psychologist 1970

Proposes that “a relevant social psychology should be concerned with the study of social movements produced by social problems.” It is suggested that the main problem is the definition of a social situation. Factors involved in a social situation are discussed. The need for establishing models based on fundamentals which are “relevant for all researchers in a problem area” is emphasized. The dynamics of group formation, intergroup relations, and communications and attitude change are examined to provide a basis for understanding social movements. Social movements are viewed as the best indicators of social problems and the direction of social change. The rise of a social movement is summarized as: (a) “a formative pattern of attempts toward change that develops in phases over time”; (b) “initiated through interaction . . . prompted by a motivational base . . . fed by persisting social problems”; (c) “carried out by those directly affected”; (d) a “declaration of gripes and the formulation and proclamation of platform or ideology”; (e) “bringing about evolutionary or revolutionary changes, or of suppressing changes”; and (f) effecting change by “appeals to the public, slogans, symbolisms, agitation, episodes of collective action, and encounters with the opposition.” (36 ref.)

Citation: Sherif M. On the relevance of social psychology. American Psychologist 1970;25:144.

On the relevance of social psychology

Recent Posts

Categories