1st Edition

Psychology and Social Problems

By Michael Argyle Copyright 1964
    236 Pages
    by Routledge

    236 Pages
    by Routledge

    First published in 1964 Psychology and Social Problems looks at a changing society and research into problems of the time. Many of the themes in the book, such as delinquency, mental health and racial conflict and are still familiar and current topics of discussion today.

    Social scientists had carried out extensive research into problems of urgent public concern, yet their findings were not widely known or understood and they had often been diffident in advocating policies based on their conclusions. Michael Argyle discussed the recent psychological and social research bearing on the origins of aggression, delinquency, mental disorder, racial and international prejudice, and industrial discontent; he went on to consider the implications of these studies for prevention and control and for the guidance of social change. This sophisticated and well-documented critique is presented with such lucidity and verve that it will appeal equally to laymen and to students and professional workers and can now be enjoyed in its historical context.

    Preface  Part I The elements of social behaviour  1 Personality  2 The motivation of social behaviour  3 Interpersonal behaviour  Part II Social problems  4 Aggression  5 Delinquency and crime  6 Mental health and mental disorder 7  Racial and international attitudes  8 Human problems in industry  Part III Processes of social control  9 The effects of child-rearing techniques  10 Adult socialization  11 Selection  12 Techniques of leadership  13 Influence of mass communications  14 Behaviour in social organizations  Part IV The study and control of social change  15 The analysis of social trends  16 The control of social change  References  Index

    Biography

    Michael Argyle

    What is most novel and refreshing about this book is the fact that the author documents all his remarks, suggestions, and discussions very fully by reference to experimental researches ... the style is crisp, to the point of being staccato, but every sentence is clear, definite, and factual. This is so unusual in writings on social topics that it will come as a revelation to many readers who had not previously realized the wealth of factual information on all these topics.’

    H.J. Eysenck, British Journal of Industrial Relations

    ‘Each part is full of interesting information and brief but adequate summaries of relevant research. Altogether the book offers the intelligent layman a glimpse into the psychologist’s workshop describing his plans, some of his tools, and his products.’

    Marie Jahoda, Occupational Psychology