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