Addressing an issue of central concern in social life, this authoritative book examines how having or lacking power influences the way individuals and groups think, feel, and act. Leading international experts comprehensively review classic and contemporary research with an eye toward bridging gaps across theories and levels of analysis. Compelling topics include the evolutionary bases of power; its effects on physiological processes, cognitive abilities, and health; what sorts of people are given power; when, how, and whom power corrupts; and power dynamics in gender, social class, and ethnic relations. The integrative concluding chapter presents a cogent agenda for future research.

About the Author

Ana Guinote, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at University College London, United Kingdom. Her research and publications focus on power, status, and minorities-in particular, how social asymmetries affect basic and high-order cognition, and how this in turn affects goal pursuit, social judgments, behavior variability, and responsiveness to situational affordances. Dr. Guinote is an Associate Editor of the British Journal of Social Psychology and serves on the Steering Committee of the European Social Cognition Network.
Theresa K. Vescio, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology and Women's Studies at The Pennsylvania State University. Her research and publications address the relation between power and the expression of sexism, racism, ageism, and heterosexism. Dr. Vescio is a recipient of the Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize, awarded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Division 9 of the American Psychological Association. She is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes and serves on the editorial boards of several other journals in the field.

Reviews

Quite possibly the single most indispensable work on the dynamics of power. Approaching the problem of power from the vantage points of diverse theories, the contributors illuminate the workings of power--how it is understood in the minds of those with and without power, how it guides the actions of individuals and groups, and how it is woven into the fabric of society. A 'must read' for students and scholars alike, this book makes clear why, as Bertrand Russell observed many years ago, power is the fundamental concept of social science.--Mark Snyder, PhD, McKnight Presidential Chair in Psychology and Director, Center for the Study of the Individual and Society, University of Minnesota

Guinote and Vescio have assembled a distinguished collection of scholars to offer a current and comprehensive analysis. The volume sheds new light on a traditionally central topic in psychology. The quality of the chapters is excellent, and collectively the volume provides new theoretical perspectives and insights. This well-structured volume will make a significant and lasting contribution.--John F. Dovidio, PhD, Department of Psychology, Yale University

This volume takes theory and research on power a huge step forward. Coverage ranges from basic mechanisms and conceptual issues to consequences of power. It spans multiple levels of analysis, looking at how power is implicated in social perception, social interaction, and intergroup relations. This book synthesizes research in the field to date and will define the study of power in social psychology for years to come.--Miles Hewstone, PhD, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom - An excellent reference source for those seeking a comprehensive survey of the latest literature on the topic. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. --Choice, 12/3/2010

Book Information
ISBN 9781606236192
Author Ana Guinote
Format Hardback
Page Count 469
Imprint Guilford Publications
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 780g