Social perspective of psychology is a kind of approach to study and investigate how, and what extent the behaviour, mind or mental processes are affected by the external social environment. It studies what changes are noticed in the behaviour of individuals while interacting other actors in society.
Perspective: meaning and examples
You know that perspective in psychology is a kind of theoretical framework that studies human behaviour through different ways or lenses. The ultimate goal to study human behaviour and mind in this way to form a whole in the form of modern psychology. Understanding the complexities of human behaviour, mind and mental processes, psychologists opted this approach to deep dive in the behavioral mistry. psychology
In psychology, there are various perspectives or approaches are used to study and understand human behaviour. These are structuralism, functionalism, Biological, Behavioral, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Evolutionary. Social perspective, etc. In this piece of writing, you will get insight about social perspective of psychology.
Father of social psychology
German-born American social psychologist, Kurt lewin is considered as the founder of modern social psychology and father of social psychology. He made valuable contributions to the social psychology through his work on group dynamics, action research, and change management. He believed that behavior is a function of the interaction between a person and their environment, as expressed in his famous equation B=f(P,E)(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewin%27s_equation)
Understanding Social perspective
Motive of this perspective is clear. At the heart of this approach lies the understanding that human behavior is often a response to the external environment and the individuals within it. They examine various factors such as conformity, obedience, and group behavior to explore how social environments shape attitudes and behaviors.
As example, studies have revealed that individuals may conform to group expectations even when it contradicts their personal beliefs, showcasing the power of social influence.
At the same time, social perspective of psychology also provides us ideas on how social environment can be improved so as to make human health and wellbeing better than earlier.
What does social influence mean?
Social influence is a kind of external force or pressure that exerted from either peers or social environment. It compels individuals to follow or conform certain ways of life like the other groups have. In other words, individual has to change his attitude, beliefs, values to conform influencing group or individual.
These are the ways how individual changes his behaviour as response to external social world. And, this is the goal of social psychologists to study the means and ways through which individual changes his behaviour in response to social environment.
Here, we should delineate three spheres or domains we are interested to focus on. First, what does social influence constitute? Second, how does individual change his behaviour through interaction? And third, what do social psychologists aspire to explore and know?
Forms or aspects of social influence
Aspects or forms means different ways or types of social influence. Conformity, obedience, persuasion, social institutions and social norms are important ways of social influence one experience in social setting.
Conformity is a person’s response to group’s behaviour. Person changes or adjusts his behaviour according to what group demand even though it is contrasting to his own values.
In the same manner other forms like social norms, institutions exert some kind of pressure on individual to adjust to fit in given framework. Social psychologists aim to comprehend this happening to predict and control behaviours in people.
The Role of Social Perspective in Psychology
The integration of a social perspective within the field of psychology plays a pivotal role in fostering a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. It emphasizes the significance of societal influences, cultural contexts, and interpersonal relationships in shaping individual experiences and mental processes.
Clearly, by examining how social dynamics affect individuals, psychologists can develop more effective therapeutic practices and interventions that resonate with the unique contexts of their clients.
Moreover, the social perspective aids in addressing pressing issues surrounding prejudice and mental health disparities. By considering the social determinants of mental health, such as socioeconomic status, race, and access to resources, psychologists can advocate for policies that target systemic inequalities.
The interplay between social context and psychological well-being underscores the necessity of viewing psychological issues through a broader lens, thus enhancing our understanding of both individual and collective mental health challenges.
Last words on social perspective of psychology,
Undoubtedly, there are a lot of advantages by understanding and studying psychology through different lenses. It provides us better insight about how does individual bring changes in his behaviour by responding social environment. At the same time, it also helps in knowing about different aspects or forms of social influences and theirs impacts on human behaviour. Psychologists can use this insights addressing various issues regarding human health. And, can make necessary changes in social environment to make it more favourable for the wellbeing of people. Structuralism Vs functionalism in psychology/Understanding psychology
https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/psychology/resources/what-is-social-psychology
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_psychology
https://online.adelaide.edu.au/blog/key-concepts-social-psychology