The aim of Evolution and Social Psychology is to give a complete overview of research and theory on evolutionary approaches to the understanding of social psychological topics. Evolutionary psychology is one of the most controversial topics in psychology. The last few years have witnessed an explosion of research in which evolutionary principles are applied to fundamental social psychological processes. Evolutionary thinking is now being integrated into the entire range of topic areas traditionally considered by social psychologists - from fundamental aspects of social cognition, to interpersonal interaction, social influence, and group behavior. This book showcases the multitude of ways in which an evolutionary framework informs social psychology. Not only does the book include chapters on aggression, cooperation, and interpersonal relationships (core topics in social psychology that are commonly associated with evolutionary psychology), it also includes chapters covering many additional topics such as impression formation, social identity, intergroup prejudice, coping with loss, and even the origins of cultural norms. Thus, the book should appeal not just to enthusiasts of evolutionary psychology, but also to anyone who wants to better understand the origins and contemporary workings of the human mind in social situations. The list of contributors is diverse and international, including some of the most well-known and highly-respected social psychologists in the world. These contributors have been asked to make a special effort to focus on the unique insights and novel hypotheses that can emerge from an evolutionarily-informed social psychology. Consequently, this booknot only showcases the conceptual breadth of evolutionary social psychology, it also reveals an evolutionary social psychology that is conceptually sophisticated, empirically rigorous, and scientifically useful. This volume - while putting forward the arguments and evidence from supporters of evolutionary psychology - also promises to provide a balanced and critical account of the failings and unanswered questions that continue to expose this discipline to harsh criticism. In sum, it should provide an excellent and uniquely comprehensive resource for senior undergraduates, graduates and researchers on a range of courses in social psychology, evolutionary psychology and biopsychology, as well as an up-to-date overview for the curious and skeptical.
Industry Reviews
'Social psychology has always lacked an explanatory theory--a reason for why people do all the strange things they do. Many of the answers to this question will come from an understanding of how social relations and social emotions evolved. This volume is a superb sample of work on this exciting new frontier. It represents a turning point in social psychology, realizing the hope that this fascinating topic can become an explanatory science.' - Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of "How the Mind Works" and "The Blank Slate" 'More than simply another edited collection, this is an essential volume that challenges every area of social psychology--where did a social process come from, what function does it serve, and how is it connected to other adaptive strategies? This body of work will rapidly become the touchstone against which all contributions in evolutionary social psychology will be judged.' - Christian Crandall, Professor of Social Psychology, University of Kansas 'The rich essays in this book beautifully demonstrate the increased conceptual power and depth of insight that can be achieved by the skillful and nuanced incorporation of an evolutionary perspective on social psychology. This foundational volume is destined to become one of the major contributions to a scientific revolution that will substantially change our understanding of human social behavior. As such, it is simply a 'must read'.' - Jim Sidanius, Professor of Psychology and of African and African-American Studies, Harvard University
