Social Constructionism

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of psychology. Specifically the paper discusses whether psychology is a science and, if so, what kind of science it is. The paper further discusses if psychology should be identified with social constructionism.

From the Paper:

"Psychologist and philosopher Hjalmar Sunden is perhaps the "father" of modern social constructionist thought. A biographer of Sunden writes, "To him the human self, also in its religious aspects, is a social self. This truism, which seems to have been forgotten by large segments of 20th-century psychology [...] has come to be known as social constructionism" (Belzen, 1996, p. 182). While Sunden's studies and theories revolved around religion, he used psychology to explain and underline his theories, which evolved essentially into the "role-taking theory." In developing this theory, he developed the seed of social constructionism, "that every perception is determined by the results of social learning. In order to be able to see something through a microscope, you must have learned a great deal, you must be acquainted with theory and know what to look for" (Belzen, 1996, p. 184). This philosophy was radical at first, but as more studied the field, more psychologists and other social scientists began to agree and espouse Sunden's theories. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Belzen, J. A. (1996). Perspective: Beyond a classic? Hjalmar Sunden's role theory and contemporary narrative psychology. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 6(3), 181-199.
• Bhabha, H. K. (1996, October). Laughing stock. Artforum International, 35, 15+.
• Bohan, J. S. (1990). Social constructionism and contextual history: An expanded approach to the history of psychology. Teaching of Psychology, 17(2), 82-89.
• Burr, V. (2003). Social constructionism. New York: Routledge.
• Delamater, J. D., & Hyde, J. S. (1998). Essentialism vs. social constructionism in the study of human sexuality. The Journal of Sex Research, 35(1), 10+.

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