An Invitation to Social Construction Book

'I strongly recommend this outstanding book for child and youth care practitioners, social workers, counsellors, mediators and psychologists.'

Marie Hoskins, Professor, School of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria, Canada

'As a teacher of family therapy, this book provides a foundation for understanding social constructionist therapy models and research, and adds depth to my student's understanding of these models.'

Kevin P. Lyness, PhD. Antioch University New England

'This new edition remains an authoritative overview of the field, but is now markedly more accessible. It will be invaluable to students and scholars looking for a sustained and engaging inquiry into the premises and practices of social constructionism.'

Dr. Matthew Adams, University of Brighton

This new edition of Kenneth Gergen's landmark An Invitation to Social Construction offers readers a clear and thorough introduction to one of the most significant movements in contemporary social science.

This edition illuminates the basic ideas and practices in the constructionist movement, and brings readers up-to-date on recent developments, including discourse analysis, action research, the body, and dialogic practice. Gergen gives special attention to ideas in practice - in education, therapy, organizational change, social work, and peace building.

The text is now even more accessible for students. The writing style is more directed to the undergraduate; the format is reader-friendly, and there are textboxes and visual material that expand and enrich the major themes. Yet, the author maintains the depth and breadth of coverage of the first edtion, guiding the reader through complex ideas giving rise to this profound way of approaching the world.

An Invitation to Social Construction, 2nd edition should be perfect for all social science students, academics and practitioners wishing to learn about social constructionism, along with the forms of inquiry and practice central to its impact.