An Invitation to Social Construction
Brand: SAGE Publications Ltd
Categories: Books, Health, Fitness & Dieting, Psychology & Counseling


Sage Publications Ltd

Dimensions: 6.69 x 0.62 x 9.53 inches
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1446296482
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
Print length: 272 pages
Publication date: May 20, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1446296486
Edition: Third
subtitle: Third Edition
author: Kenneth J. Gergen
review: Editorial Reviews Review This third edition, enriched with three new chapters, remains an exciting introduction to the premises of social constructionism. As Gergen unfolds, in his own personal style, the ideas of dialogue, co-action and relationship one finds oneself relating to the book in the most engaging way. The book is inspiring for both the newcomer and the experienced pursuer of knowledge-making in constructionist terms. -- Thalia Dragonas Ken Gergen has taken all that is good in his second edition of the definitive Invitation to Social Construction, updated it, and made it even smarter. There is no more vibrant and engaging launch point for understanding contemporary social constructionism. -- Jonathan Potter The author succeeds in introducing the reader into social construction. He emphasizes that this perspective critically attempts to look at what acts as "the truth" without leading to nihilism. The combination of the scientific with the social and personal through the work makes it very accessible and easily readable. In short, the book is a comprehensive introduction to social construction, not just for novice and advanced researchers, but also for students. -- Sofie De Bus About the Author Kenneth J. Gergen is a Senior Research Professor in Psychology at Swarthmore College, and the President of the Taos Institute. He is internationally known for his contributions to social constructionist theory, technology and cultural change, the self, aging, education, and relational theory and practices. His major writings include, Realities and Relationships: Soundings in Social Construction, The Saturated Self: Dilemmas of Identity in Contemporary Life, and Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community . His most recent work Beyond the Tyranny of Testing: Relational Evaluation in Education (with Scherto Gill) offers a relational constructionist alternative to the destructive practices of testing and grading in education. Gergen lectures throughout the world, and has received numerous awards for his work, including honorary degrees in both the U.S. and Europe.