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Ken Gergen's argument for social constructionism

Alternative Title
Psychology and social constructionism. Reflections on Professor Ken Gergen's paper to the Psychology Department University College Dublin, 20th June 1996
Social constructionist psychology & family therapy.Reflections on professor Ken Gergen's paper to the Psychology Department Universi ty College Dublin, 20th June 1996
Author(s)
Carr, Alan  
Uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6409
Date Issued
2001
Date Available
2015-03-04T11:25:40Z
Abstract
Gergen has highlighted three critiques of representationalism. The representationalist position, which underpins the empirical approach taken in mainstream psychology and much of first order family therapy, assumes that statements bear a map-like correspondence to the objects they describe. The ideological critique of representationalism argues that statements about objects do not correspond to the objects because accurate perception and reporting of perception is distorted by ideology. The literary-rhetorical critique of representationalism points out that statements about perceived objects do not correspond to those objects because all statements are determined more by language and than by the objects being described. In the social critique of representationalism, it is argued that statements about objects do not correspond to those objects because they are determined more by the social context within which the statements are made than by the perceived objects. Modern psychology and much of first order family therapy and traditional mental health practices which is based on representationalism must change its focuses and in future continue empirical work but within a pragmatic frame of reference; subject modernist scientific narratives to cultural and historical analysis; explore the ethical implications of choosing particular lines of inquiry and scientific frames of reference; and analyze issues such as identity or emotions within a social-constructionist rather than an individualistic framework.
Type of Material
Book Chapter
Publisher
Edwin Mellen Press
Subjects

Representationalism

Psychology

Gergen, Kenneth J.

Web versions
http://mellenpress.com/mellenpress.cfm?pc=9&bookid=4690
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
Journal
Carr, A. (eds.). Clinical Psychology in Ireland, Volume 4: Family Therapy Theory, Practice and Research
ISBN
9780773473430
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/
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610.83 KB

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Owning collection
Psychology Research Collection

Item descriptive metadata is released under a CC-0 (public domain) license: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/cc0/.
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