Social Constructionism to taijin shien no Shinri-gaku (Social Constructionism and Psychology for Interpersonal Support - For Theory, Research, and Practice)

Social constructionism, translated into Japanese as shakai kōsei shugi or shakai kōchiku shugi, is a basic theory in human and social sciences. In contrast to the logical positivist approach typically adopted in natural science, whereby one first assumes the objective reality of the phenomenon of interest and then attempts to clarify its features, social constructivism assumes that the phenomenon is socially constructed through linguistic practices. Take, for example, a physical disability. Social constructionism sees physical disability not as a function-defect that exists as an objective reality but as a product of the interactions between meanings and the people who believe in such meanings. This approach has stimulated several academic disciplines, shaping psychological research and the practices based on such. However, some find social constructionism confusing or are unsure of how it should be applied. In response to these concerns, this book clarifies the theory and application of social constructionism, focusing on interpersonal support.
 
The book consists of four parts. The first part presents an overview of social constructivism by noted theorist Professor Vivien Burr. Based on Burr’s lectures, the part serves as an accessible introduction for readers new to social constructivism. The second compares social constructivism with other theories in an attempt to highlight its key features. Readers will learn how social constructivism is viewed from the standpoint of phenomenology, dialogism, cultural psychology, and critical psychology. The third part explores how social constructionism has influenced psychological research today, and how psychologists have appraised their research from constructivist perspectives. With psychology having traditionally leaned toward natural science, one hopes that psychologists will reflect upon the problems of this trend and develop the discipline toward greater heights. The fourth part is composed by social care experts and researchers who work with them. It introduces case studies to illustrate how social constructionist theory is applied in such practice.
 
Social constructionism should be distinguished from social determinism, the theory that social dynamics determine the behavior of individuals. One must remember that everyone featured in this book, including theorists, researchers, and practitioners, as well as everyone who reads this book, forms part of society and as such, engages in social construction. This point holds relevance for practice of interpersonal support. When we consider the social assumptions upon which acts of interpersonal support are performed, consider the social meanings that these acts construct, and consider how these meanings are experienced by the providers and recipients of interpersonal support, we can start to see that practice from a broader perspective and gain insights for reviewing and improving acts of interpersonal support, as opposed to letting that support become a self-serving exercise. The editors hope that readers will find this book useful for prompting a reexamination of particular practices and developing more effective care.
 

(Written by NOCHI Masahiro, Professor, Graduate School of Education / 2022)