Inner Lives and Social Worlds: Readings in Social Psychology

Inner lives and social worlds are commonly viewed as separate yet equally important domains of experience. Inner lives comprise our personal, interior spaces--our selves, identities, feelings, thoughts, and motives. From this standpoint, "in here" is where we find "who we really are." Social worlds are "out there"; they are the external influences that shape who we are. Inner Lives and Social Worlds challenges the stark distinction between "in here" and "out there." Offering a sociological approach to social psychology, it focuses on social interaction as the foundation of everyday life. From this perspective, both inner lives and social worlds are constructed through everyday social interaction and are therefore always connected to one another. Inner Lives and Social Worlds presents an exciting collection of readings that clearly demonstrate the way that these realms are intertwined. Drawing upon classic and contemporary material, it shows how the self, identity, mind, emotions, and motives--all landmark features of inner lives--are inextricably bound to social worlds. The social worlds of race and ethnicity, gender, age, family life, and personal troubles are highlighted in lively, compelling selections. The readings have been specifically chosen to be accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students of social psychology.