Sociology of Psychology
Psychology is a broad field of study that is involved with the study of the mind and behavior. Due to the vast nature of this field of study, there are various disciplines of psychology that have been developed over time. This has ensured that every field gets covered exhaustively, thereby presenting the readers and other researchers with credible information pertaining to the respective field. Among some of the key areas of psychological studies include; clinical psychology, forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, among other key fields. Psychology is an important discipline in the field of science as it has helped us to understand human and animal behavior as well as the various brain functions. This information has been essential in helping us to understand, predict and control behavior for the desired outcomes. Psychology is an important area of study that has helped man to understand the social environment better, thereby facilitating the growth and prosperity of the human race.
Sociology psychology focusses on the psychological aspects of individuals within a community environment, and community psychology explores characteristics such as interdependence, adaptation, diplomacy, empowerment, social justice among other aspects of human interaction (Thoits, 1995). Social psychology is also referred to as critical psychology as it entails a critical review of the various human behavioural and mental processes, and how these processes affect human interaction, personality, among other social concerns. Humans are social beings who have an innate interdependency need for their basic survival. This has resulted in the formation of communities and civilizations in which social psychology plays a central role in their continuity and day to day running. This makes social psychology everyday aspects of our existential lives.
History of social psychology
The history of social psychology can be traced back to the 17th century when scientific studies were applied in an attempt to understand human behavior and mental processes. Kurt Lewin is referred to as the father of modern social psychology due to his immense contribution to the field. In his studies of behavioral responses and the human mind, Kurt was able to apply scientific methods such as; field theory, experimental learning and group dynamics which are all methods that are applied in social psychology learning today (Farr, 1996). The history of social psychology was developed as human society continued to become more advanced and complex. Although generally practised as a wholesome aspect of psychology, there was the necessity to utilize a more goals oriented approach.
As a result, social psychology was developed with the primary aim of helping to understand further; the human mind, i.e. the various mental processes in relation to the external environment and human behavior as a response to the prevailing conditions in their surroundings, i.e. the social environment. Among the earliest social psychology studies conducted are dated back to 1898. This was a study that was conducted by social psychologist Norman Triplett on the social facilitation phenomenon. In a later development, e.g. during the Second World War, social psychologists were able to study various aspects of the war, such as the use of propaganda and persuasion. This enabled the psychologists to address issues such as; racial prejudice, gender discrimination, among other social challenges.
These initial studies paved the way for the development of a modern aspect of psychology including; the interdisciplinary studies of psychology such as cognitive and clinical psychology in relation to social psychology which has significantly influenced the way in which we view and perceive the society around us.
Theoretical concepts of social psychology
The theoretical concepts of social psychology could be referred to as scientifically tested and proven concepts of human psychology. These theories have been identified to be essential in the development of a better and clear understanding of the various aspects of human sociology. Among the two most widely recognized theories in social psychology include;
- Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development
- Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory
Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development
Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development analyzes how social factors influences the developmental process in a growing child. According to Erickson, the surrounding social environment is the primary influencer of the kind of individual that a child turns out to be in their future life. This was explained in the nine stages of psychosocial development outlined as; trust vs mistrust, autonomy vs shame/doubt, initiative vs guilt, industry vs inferiority, identity vs role/confusion, intimacy vs isolation, generativity vs stagnation and integrity vs despair. According to Erickson, every individual goes through these developmental stages (Christiansen & Palkovitz, 1998). Depending on the prevailing conditions in their social environment, a child takes up the respective prevailing developmental aspect. Through extensive research studies and testing, the Erickson’s stages of psychosocial development have been identified to be true and applicable in the study of social psychology.
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory
The Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology that suggests; human beings conform to a specific set on needs, and throughout their lives, they work and dedicate their efforts towards the realization of these needs. The needs in descending order in terms of essences include; psychological needs such as food, shelter sex etc., safety need, love and belongingness needs, esteem needs, self-actualization needs (McLeod, 2007). Through research studies, these needs have been identified to be present in every individual taking place in the outlined order of significance.
Applications of social psychology
Social psychology is one of the areas of psychology that has the widest range of applications in the study of human behavior and mental processes. Based on the outlined theories of psychology, among others, social psychology has been applied to influence, predict and control human behavior. This has been essential in ensuring that human problems and challenges are better understood and addressed in the most appropriate and effective way. Through social psychology, it has become possible for people to understand why they behave like they do as well as have better control of their mental processes (Adorno, 1968). This has, in turn, led to the development of new areas of study as well as new professions.
Counselling and motivational talks are among the most common and basic applications of social psychology. While it may be unknown to most people, counsellors and other related professionals apply social psychology in their profession. A counsellor aims at understanding a patient’s social life and coming up with the most applicable solutions to these challenges. This is why counsellors and social psychologists are heavily dependent on client feedback and responses. Motivational speakers, on the other hand, apply social psychology by appealing to their audience to make changes in their behavioral characteristics as well as their mental processes. For instance, replace negativity thought with positivity, among other ideologies. Come to think of it, with the best mental and behavioral control, and you can be your own psychological therapist!
Interesting tidbits of social psychology
Social psychology is probably one of the most interesting fields of study as it presents the learner with a better understanding of the society around them and how it functions. This can be essential in predicting, and controlling responses and behavior with just the right mastery of social psychology. Experimental research findings indicate that people tend to look for things that conform to the things they already believe. As a result, people who believe in the goodness in people will always go in pursuit of the goodness in others no matter how frequent they may be proved wrong. Understanding such fundamental aspects of social psychology could be essential in understanding behavior and other traits that people around you exhibit. This could help in improving interactions with people around you through understanding the motivation behind their actions from a social psychology point of view.
Conclusion
Social psychology is probably one of the most influential areas of psychology with other related disciplines borrowing from it. Enhancing one’s understanding of social psychology can be attributed to enhancing personal social interactive activities as well as social stress-related complications. This can be achieved through the application of a social critical analysis situation analysis to understand motive and motivation behind any given activities.
References
Christiansen, S. L., & Palkovitz, R. (1998). Exploring Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development: Generativity and its relationship to paternal identity, intimacy, and involvement in childcare. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 7(1), 133-156.
McLeod, S. (2007). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Simply psychology, 1, 1-8.
Thoits, P. A. (1995). Social psychology: The interplay between sociology and psychology. Social Forces, 73(4), 1231-1243.
Adorno, T. (1968). Sociology and psychology—II. New Left Review, 47, 79-97.
Farr, R. M. (1996). The roots of modern social psychology, 1872–1954. Blackwell Publishing.