Using current socio-political thought and research, the authors of Social Psychology – Identities and Relationships examine topics such as violence, social and political transition, race and racism, and sexualities. Identities and interpersonal relationships are used as ordering themes to create a book that is truly distinctive.

Theoretical and empirical research is related to topical problems, highlighting the complex relations of individuals to their societies and to one another. The histories and complexities of problems and their interconnectedness are examined, and possible solutions are suggested. Special attention is paid to class, sexuality, gender and race, making psychology in general, and social psychology in particular, relevant and exciting.

Key Features

• Invites the reader to explore a new understanding of social psychology
• Provides a critical discussion of identities and relationships
• Encourages critical discussion of concepts, theories and research
• Offers insights into social psychology in diverse community contexts
• Analyses the interrelationship of knowledge and power
• Enhances engagement with social psychology by providing definitions, fascinating additional material in text boxes, and exercises for critical analysis

Part 1: Contents and Concepts

• Introduction: A Psychology of a Society
• Social Psychology and Research Methods

Part 2: Race, Racism and Identities

• Racism: A Social Psychological Perspective
• Race, Racism and the Media
• Bodies and Apartheid
• Frantz Fanon and Racial Identity in Post-Colonial Contexts
• Black Adolescent Identity During and After Apartheid
• Identity Dynamics and the Politics of Self-Definition

Part 3: Intimacy, Inequality and Gendered Violence

• Women Abuse: A Critical Review
• Gender Inequality, Family Relations and Passion Crime
• Black Women’s Identities
• ‘Mixed’ Relations

Part 4: Sexualities and Masculinities: Histories and Future Possibilities

• Lesbianism
• Heterosexuality
• Historical Representations of ‘Race’, Masculinity and Homosexuality

Part 5: Psychology and the Political, the Social and Leadership

• Political Leadership in the Context of Reconciliation
• Street Life and the Construction of Social Problems
• Understanding and Preventing Violence

This text provides an interdisciplinary focus for students and scholars of social psychology, human behaviour and gender studies.