Social Exchange by Kenneth Gergen

Social Exchange by Kenneth Gergen

INTRODUCTION In developing scientific theory there is perhaps nothing more propi­ tious than a compelling metaphor. If the metaphor is rich in imagery, complexly differentiated, emotionally evocative, and vitally wedded to the cultural lore, the theory to which it gives rise may enjoy a long and vigorous life. If the metaphor is sufficiently powerful, the theory may even be sustained in independence of systematic empirical support. Role theory is likely to remain prosperous so long as there is a thriving theater; decision theory experienced a dramatic rejuvenation with the development of the electronic computer; and, in spite of its archaic construction, Jungian theory will prevail so long as ancient myths and symbols continue to haunt us (d. Smith, 1978). From this standpoint, the development of social exchange theory is hardly surprising. Ex­ perience with the marketplace is extensive in society, its images are both complex and richly evocative, its challenges are often exciting and its lessons sometimes painful. It is thus both intellectually and emo­ tionally invigorating to consider the social arena in all its diversity as an extended market in which each individual seeks to maximize profits. The economic metaphor is hardly new to the social sciences. The recent intellectual roots of contemporary exchange theory can be traced to the works of Claude Levi-Strauss, Marcel Mauss, Karl Marx, and B.

Kenneth J. Gergen is Senior Research Professor in Psychology at Swarthmore College and the President of the Taos Institute. He is internationally known for his contributions to social constructionist theory, technology and cultural change, the self, and relational practices. His major writings
include Realities and Relationships: Soundings in Social Construction, The Saturated Self: Dilemmas of Identity in Contemporary Life, and Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community. Gergen lectures throughout the world and has received numerous awards for his work, including honorary degrees in
both the U.S. and Europe.

Scherto R. Gill is Senior Fellow at the GHFP Peace Research Institute, Visiting Fellow at the University of Sussex, and Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA). Through research, international project development, and writing, she actively explores ways to foster practices of transformative
dialogue, the ethics of caring, whole person development, and global peace. Her most recent books include Ethical Education: Towards an Ecology of Human Development, Human-Centered Education: A Handbook and Practical Guide, and Education as Humanisation.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781461330899
ISBN 10	1461330890
Title	Social Exchange
Author	Kenneth Gergen
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Year published	2011-10-06
Number of pages	306
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.