Contemporary Social Psychological Theories

"Bringing together leading sociologists, this volume elucidates recent developments in the theoretical foundations of social psychology and the major research programs that they have inspired. It is essential reading for social psychologists and will surely become a staple of graduate seminars in the years to come." -- Jeylan Mortimer * University of Minnesota * "This is an invaluable contribution to sociological social psychology. Written by the most renowned scholars in the field, it offers a marvelously comprehensive review of the major theoretical traditions and programs. The breadth and depth of coverage, and attention to recent theoretical developments, make this volume essential reading for sociologists and others interested in the field." -- Brian Powell * Indiana University * "Peter J. Burke has gathered developers and expert practitioners from fourteen different social psychological paradigms to provide up-to-date accounts. A superb teaching and research resource, the book will be indispensable to social psychologists, and an efficient introduction to key macro implications of social psychological theories and research for those who study large-scale social structures and processes." -- Robin Stryker * University of Arizona *

Peter J. Burke is Distinguished Professor of Sociology at University of California, Riverside. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the 2003 winner of the Cooley-Mead Award from the American Sociological Association for lifetime contributions to social psychology.

Contents and Abstracts1Symbolic Interaction Framework George J. McCall chapter abstractThis chapter sets forth the core themes of symbolic interaction as a set of axioms and postulates, the interpretation of which varies over time, as differing theories of mind and of communication develop. These core themes are traced to the work of the Scottish moralists, especially Adam Smith. Next are examined the interpretation of early American philosophy (the pragmatism of Charles Peirce and John Dewey), psychology (James Baldwin and William James), and sociology (Charles H. Cooley, George H. Mead, Robert Park and W.I. Thomas). The contributions of Herbert Blumer and Everett Hughes are discussed along with more recent developments in symbolic interaction (such as identity theory). Finally, author contends that the symbolic interaction tradition is the root of various special theories (such as affect control theory and comparison theory, among others). 2Social Exchange Framework Scott V. Savage and Monica M. Whitham chapter abstractThe social exchange perspective begins with the premise that in order to get what they need and value, humans must trade benefits with others. Thus, the perspective views social interaction as a series of structurally-bounded exchanges of valued social and material resources between actors located in larger social networks and groups. This chapter describes the concepts and assumptions foundational to most social exchange theories and then provides a history of the social exchange perspective in sociology. This history details how theorists have used these concepts and assumptions to explain social life, with a particular focus on how current trends in the social exchange literature relate to classic theories and general themes in the tradition. 3Justice Frameworks Karen A. Hegtvedt chapter abstractAs a form of "glue" that holds people together, justice concerns permeate group functioning. This chapter highlights three central questions: What is justice? How do people perceive injustice? What are responses to perceived injustice? Addressing these questions involves identification of common terms, key assumptions, and the motivations that drive the core of research on distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. The chapter then analyzes theory and empirical research pertinent to how individual factors (e.g., characteristics, beliefs, and motivations) combine with situational factors to produce perceptions of (in)justice. Assessments of injustice resulting in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses round out the chapter and lead to attention to processes that mediate between perceived injustice and its consequences. 4Identity Theory Jan E. Stets chapter abstractIn this chapter, the author provides an overview of identity theory beginning with its roots in symbolic interaction, followed by a discussion of the theory as it is currently conceptualized. The internal and external processes related to an identity are reviewed as well as the relationship between a single identity and multiple identities. Identity theory continues to develop beyond its current boundaries, and the author outlines the theoretical, methodological, and substantive advances that have been taking place. For example, we now are studying different bases of identities (person, role, and social/group), devising new ways of measuring identities, and examining stigmatized and counter-normative identities. The future is bright for this ever-developing theory, and some directions for future research are offered. 5Social Identity Theory Michael A. Hogg chapter abstractSocial identity theory is a social psychological analysis of the role of self-conception in group membership, group processes, and intergroup relations. It describes how social categorization of self and others, motivated by pursuit of a clear sense of identity (identity uncertainty reduction) and a favorable self-evaluation (positive soci