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The goal of Social Groups in Action and Interaction is to review and analyze the human group as it operates to create both social good and, potentially, social harm.
The book provides relatively equal emphasis on topics traditionally considered from an intra-group perspective (for instance, conformity, minority influence, group decision-making, leadership, and task performance) as well as topics derived from an inter-group perspective (e.g. social categorization, social identity, intergroup conflict, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination). In addition, topics that are not unique to either of these two approaches, and yet which are important aspects of group relations, such as culture, crowd behavior, social representations, and negotiation are also covered.
Written in a clear, accessible style, this textbook provides a uniquely rounded review and analysis of group dynamics by combining and integrating topics from several different perspectives:
- Intra-group perspective: e.g. conformity, minority influence, group decision-making, leadership, and task performance.
- Inter-group perspective: e.g. social categorization, social identity, intergroup conflict, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.
- Other perspectives: e.g. culture, crowd behavior, social representations, and negotiation.
The volume is an invaluable resource for Social Psychology instructors and students on courses on group dynamics and group behavior. Its multiplicity of perspectives also makes it relevant to those in other domains, such as business, communication, education, management, social work, and sociology.
This website provides further information about the book, including sample material and additional resources for instructors and students.