Henri Tajfel was a British social psychologist best known as a principal co-developer of Social Identity Theory. His later work on ingroups and outgroups was likely profoundly influenced by his personal experience during World War II, having survived the Holocaust by pretending to be a member of another ethnic group. After the war, he engaged in international relief efforts before studying psychology to focus on the social psychology of prejudice and nationalism. His research contributed to understanding group dynamics and identity.
Focusing on Henri Tajfel's influential research, this volume unifies his various studies on social psychology, particularly examining the dynamics of intergroup relations and conflicts. It explores how social identity shapes group behavior and influences perceptions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind group interactions and tensions.
This book provides an engaging introduction to social psychology, written in a clear style that requires no prior knowledge. It serves as an ideal textbook for students, addressing key topics such as self and personality, interpersonal relations, language and communication, altruism, aggression, group processes, attitudes, and intergroup relations. Notably, it also explores less conventional subjects often overlooked in similar texts, including emotions, social and moral development, social representations, health and illness, and employment issues, highlighting their relevance to social policy. The presentation is rich and diverse, integrating a variety of methodologies and theories. While the dominant cognitive and psychological approaches are examined, the book consistently connects individual behaviors and interactions to broader social contexts. This is accomplished through cross-cultural and historical comparisons, along with insights from related social sciences. The authors aim to demonstrate that social psychology sheds light on various aspects of social life, addressing everyday challenges we all encounter. For additional resources, please visit the accompanying website at: http://www.polity.co.uk/socialpsychology.