Unlike other texts for undergraduate sociological social psychology courses, this text presents the three distinct traditions in sociological social psychology—symbolic interactionism, social structure and personality, and group processes and structures—and emphasizes the different theoretical frameworks within which social psychological analyses are conducted within each research tradition. With this approach, the authors make clear the link between sociological social psychology, theory, and methodology. Students will gain a better understanding of how and why social psychologists trained in sociology ask particular kinds of questions; the types of research they are involved in; and how their findings have been, or can be, applied to contemporary societal patterns and problems.

This new, second edition includes the latest research on topics related to current events and changing societal patterns; more detailed discussions on intersectionality, social media, and contemporary social movements; as well as a new concluding chapter that asks students to reflect on what they have learned about sociological social psychology and its applicability to contemporary social issues. Engaging exercises and group activities are also embedded within in each chapter to enhance students’ understanding of key concepts, theories, methods and research findings within the field and how they relate to everyday life.