The Social Constructionist Movement In Modern Psychology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-1985
Published In
American Psychologist
Abstract
Discusses the social constructionist movement in modern psychology, noting that social constructionism views discourse about the world not as a reflection or map of the world but as an artifact of communal interchange. Both as an orientation to knowledge and to the character of psychological constructs, constructionism presents a significant challenge to conventional understanding. Although the roots of constructionist thought may be traced to long-standing debates between empiricist and rationalist schools of thought, constructionism moves beyond the dualism of these traditions and places knowledge within the process of social interchange. Although the role of psychological explanation is problematic, a fully developed constructionism could furnish a means for understanding the process of science and invites the development of alternative criteria for the evaluation of psychological inquiry.
Recommended Citation
Kenneth J. Gergen.
(1985).
"The Social Constructionist Movement In Modern Psychology".
American Psychologist.
Volume 40,
Issue 3.
266-275.
DOI: 10.1037//0003-066X.40.3.266
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-psychology/328