Social Psychology and Modernity

"...clearly written in an accessible style, it is also very engaging...the book should reach a substantial international audience, as I know of no other that shows the importance of the theories and themes it addresses." - Ian Burkitt, University of Bradford, UK. Why does the concept of identity matter? How can social psychology help to illuminate key issues in contemporary society? Are the sociological issues of agency and structure still relevant, or should we develop new theoretical concepts from a social psychological perspective? "Social Psychology and Modernity" explores social psychological thinking in relation to contemporary society. Some of the key thinkers within this field at the interface between sociology and psychology are introduced and discussed. The aim of the book is not only to function as an undergraduate text, but also to develop new ways of approaching and using social psychological theory. The first part of the book contains a general overview of different theorists and theoretical perspectives: a particular line of thought is followed stretching from The Chicago School - via among others Simmel, Mead and Goffman - to contemporary discussions on modernity and postmodernity. The second, thematic part of the book offers a more in-depth view of key aspects of late-modern life, for example changes in gender identities, narcissism, and the cultivation of the perfect body. The reflexive approach to social psychology developed in this book will enrich and expand our way of looking at contemporary culture and identities.