An Introduction to Social Constructionism

An Introduction to Social Constructionism is a readable and critical account of social

constructionism for students new to the field.
Focussing on the challenge to psychology that social constructionism poses, Vivien
Burr examines the notion of ‘personality’ to illustrate the rejection of essentialism by
social constructionists. This questions psychology’s traditional understanding of the
person. She then shows how the study of language can be used as a focus for our
understanding of human behaviour and experience. This is continued by examining
‘discourses’ and their role in constructing social phenomena, and the relationship
between discourse and power. However, the problems associated with these analyses are
also clearly outlined.
Many people believe that one of the aims of social science should be to bring about
social change. Vivien Burr analyses what possibilities there might be for change in social
constructionist accounts. She also addresses what social constructionism means in
practice to research in the social sciences, and includes some guidelines on doing
discourse analysis.
An Introduction to Social Constructionism is an invaluable and clear guide for all
perplexed students who want to begin to understand this difficult area.
Vivien Burr is a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Huddersfield.
An Introduction to Social
Constructionism
Vivien Burr

London and New York

 First published 1995 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE
Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York,
NY 10001

Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group

This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2006.

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© 1995 Vivien Burr
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or
by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission
in writing from the publishers.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from
the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book has been
requested

ISBN 0-203-13302-1 Master e-book ISBN

ISBN 0-203-17605-7 (Adobe e-Reader Format)

ISBN 0-415-10404-1 (hbk)
ISBN 0-415-10405-X (pbk)