Social Psychology: Individuals, Interaction, and Inequality (Sociology for a New Century)

**__Social Psychology__**takes a sociological approach to the study of the individual in relationship to society. It's main purpose is is to highlight how social psychology provides varied, yet inter-related, explanations for individuals' experiences in groups. The text tells the story of how these dynamics unfold, beginning with the central social characteristics of the individual, to processes of perception and of interaction. In the telling of this story, it also notes some of the interesting cross-cultural comparisons in regard to these dynamics. Social Psychology: Individuals, Interaction, and Inequality invites you to take a sociological approach to the study of the individual in relationship to society. This unique new text explains how social psychology provides varied, yet interrelated, explanations for individuals′ experiences in groups and how the micro-level interactions of individuals have consequences for macro-level phenomena within society. Karen A. Hegtvedt and Cathryn Johnson describe an array of processes that shape interaction given differences in status, power, or group memberships. Unlike other social psychology texts, theirs stresses the interconnections among these processes to create a story about how individuals perceive and then act in their social worlds. In addition to introducing the central theoretical approaches and important empirical studies, the authors also provide many examples that help students locate the substance of social psychology in their own experiences and social interactions. In the end, readers will gain an understanding of how their identities and perceptions shape what they do, how the structures in which they are embedded may constrain or facilitate their behaviors, and how these dynamics contribute to reinforcing or ameliorating inequalities in their social groups. Social Psychology Takes A Sociological Approach To The Study Of The Individual In Relationship To Society. It's Main Purpose Is Is To Highlight How Social Psychology Provides Varied, Yet Inter-related, Explanations For Individuals' Experiences In Groups. The Text Tells The Story Of How These Dynamics Unfold, Beginning With The Central Social Characteristics Of The Individual, To Processes Of Perception And Of Interaction. In The Telling Of This Story, It Also Notes Some Of The Interesting Cross-cultural Comparisons In Regard To These Dynamics. Preface -- Acknowledgments -- About The Authors -- Introduction To The Interrelated Processes Of Social Psychology -- Methods Of Developing Social Psychological Knowledge -- The Individual In A Social World -- Identity Processes -- Intra-individual Processes : Social Cognitions -- Intra-individual Processes : Attitudes -- Beyond Cognition : Affect And Emotions -- Status Processes In Groups -- Power Relations In Groups And Social Networks -- Legitimacy : Shaping Behavior In Groups And Organizations -- Justice Processes And Evaluations Within Groups -- Intergroup Processes. Karen A. Hegtvedt, Emory University, Cathryn Johnson, Emory University. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.