Individualistic humans - Social constructionism, identity and change

Journal/Book: Theor Psychol. 1997; 7: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Sage Publications Inc. 311-336.

Abstract: This paper considers how social constructionist social psychology might narrate change. It is argued that to date this tradition has paid the issue of change scant attention. In particular, there is little social constructionist work that addresses the micro-processes of change. Where it has been addressed, this has been by imputing a separate realm (e.g. Culture or discursive dynamics) or treating it as a discontinuous process. It is suggested that a fruitful perspective is actor-network theory, which attempts to articulate the way that innovations are generated and disseminated, changing identities in the process. Actor-network accounts are narrated by contingently positioning human actors who must marshal various resources in order to persuade others of the value of their innovations. It is suggested that the orthodox social psychological concern with such phenomena as persuasion, minority influence and risky shift might be useful in such accounts.

Note: Article Michael M, Univ Lancaster, Sch Independent Studies, Ctr Sci Studies & Sci Policy, Lonsdale Coll, Lancaster LA1 4YN, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): actor-network theory; change; identity; social constructionism; PSYCHOLOGY

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