How does a person adapt in society? How does he form opinions about himself and other people? How is communication between people built? All these questions are an area of research in social psychology. This discipline studies the emotions and behavior of people in social groups.
We live in a society and every day we interact with different people who have their own opinions and a special line of behavior. This has to be taken into account. And there's no getting away from it.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with a selection of the best books on social psychology. They will answer many questions about society in general and people in particular, they will help to competently build relationships with people, understand the processes and patterns that take place in society. Here are collected both purely scientific works intended for educational institutions, and popular science works that will interest everyone. And, of course, they will be useful for the average reader.
The presented books on social psychology will please a wide audience: from professors to ordinary readers. Take your pick.
Erich Fromm "Escape from Freedom"
Why liberation from social dependence does not lead to true freedom, but only isolates a person from society? The book covers such psychological aspects as power, dependence and gaining freedom.
Readers' opinion: this work is recommended for everyone who asks questions about the essence of true freedom, as well as for psychologists and philosophers. Some readers think that the style of presentation is a little abstruse, but overall they are satisfied with the book, as it gives food for thought and makes you think about many things. The book answers the question: why do we run from freedom?
Average: 4, 3/5
G. M. Andreeva. Social Psychology
The book provides a systematic approach to the study of social psychology at all levels: from the history of emergence to the fundamental problems of the discipline. If you are seriously interested in this area, are a student of psychology and have an initial academic background in general psychology, then this book will be an ideal guide to the world of social interaction.
Readers' opinion: almost everyone agreed that this is the best fundamental domestic textbook for universities, which has taught more than one generation of specialists. Ideal for preparing for exams. It is written clearly, understandably, the structure of the material is convenient. But if you have never de alt with psychology before, the language of the text will seem difficult for you to understand.
Average: 4/5
GustaveLebon "Psychology of peoples and masses"
Handbook of every politician, journalist and PR person. If you do not want to continue to be led by propaganda, then first of all, read this work. It will tell you how to use religion and dogmas to control people and inspire them with any ideas.
Readers' opinion: people recommend this book to everyone for reading, as it will help to form your own system of views on the world, will make it clear that you need to learn to reason and think with your own head. After reading it, you begin to better understand the traditions and behavior of people of other nationalities. For many, the first part seemed boring and incomprehensible, which cannot be said about the second, it is interesting and easy to understand.
Average: 4, 8/5
David Myers "Social Psychology"
The book is a bestseller in social psychology and has long been a classic. Although it is a textbook, thanks to the living language it will be interesting to read not only for students. The author covers all the important topics of social psychology and explains his reasoning with fascinating examples.
Readers' opinion: many people liked this textbook for its brightness, availability of information, easy language, humor, a huge number of illustrative examples from life, funny illustrations, useful tables. If you are looking for a book that will quickly and clearly explain all the issues, then choose it. Everyone without exception recommends.
Average: 4, 9/5
Robert Cialdini "The Psychology of Influence"
One of the best books on social psychology. It reveals methods of persuasion that force people to agree against their will. How not to succumb to manipulation and not fall under the influence of others?
Reader Opinion: This book is recommended reading for all marketers, sales managers and those who have to communicate a lot with people. The author gives advice on how to influence people and not succumb to the influence and manipulation of others. It will be extremely useful in everyday life, it will teach communication and the right reaction. Written simply, interestingly and intelligibly, contains only facts and conclusions, reads in one breath.
Average: 4, 4/5
Paul Ekman "The Psychology of Lies"
The book will tell you how to identify a liar by non-verbal gestures, facial expressions and behavior. Practical tips to keep you from being scammed.
Readers' opinion: first of all, it was mentioned that the author of the work is the prototype of Dr. Lightman from the Lie to Me series. All psychologists are advised to read, but the book may seem boring to ordinary people. But in general, it is written in an interesting way, with many illustrative examples. Some say that the work is difficult to understand. If you are going to read it, you will have to do it slowly and thoughtfully. Readers compared it with a thesis. Useful for general development, but after reading it, you will not learn to recognize deceit and identify liars once or twice.
Average: 3, 8/5
Philip Zimbardo "Lucifer effect. Why good people turn into villains"
The book analyzes the Stanford Prison Experiment. Is it true that the situation of kind and decent people can make real monsters? What are the causes of human aggression?
Reader Opinion: Recommended to all those in leadership positions. The book is serious and useful, will not leave anyone indifferent. It should be read for gaining inner freedom and a better understanding of yourself and others. An exciting and interesting piece, but some found it a little boring.
Average: 4, 2/5
Heidi Grant Halvorson "No one understands me!"
Do you know how others perceive you? What do they really think of you? This book will tell you how other people see us, and what we can fix to get the message across to them.
Reader Opinion: Everyone says this is a work everyone should read. If you want to improve relationships with people and understand yourself, then it is doubly recommended for you. Interestingly written, but the style is complex, contains scientifically proven facts and illustrative life examples.
Average: 3, 3/5
Elliot Aronson "The Social Animal. An Introduction to Social Psychology"
One of the best books on social psychology. The work of the eminent scientist of our time intelligibly explains the laws and rules of the social world.
Reader Opinion: I think this is the perfect option if you need to tighten up the theory in social psychology. In practical terms, this work will not give you anything. It will interest both psychologists and ordinary people in the presence of a large number of exciting experiments. Written in an accessible language, understandable to the average reader, does not contain abstruse expressions, but there are too many unnecessary words.
Average: 4.5/5
This top contains the most famous books of authors on social psychology. Their work and the research they carried out made a huge contribution to the development of this scientific discipline and trained a large number of qualified specialists in this field. They also help to educate the population about the psychology of society and people.
If you are just a beginner, then start your acquaintance with the book "Social Psychology" by David Myers. This work will help you to understand the essence and thoroughly understand all the nuances. After it, any book will be easily understood.
Man is a social being. Society helps build character, hone skills, and learn life lessons. Only being in society can we develop, improve and grow.
