Social Construction: Entering the Dialogue

In this 2004 book, Ken and Mary Gergen of the Taos Institute present an account of social constructionist thought that enables students, colleagues and practitioners – as well as those who are simply curious – to gain a basic understanding and appreciation of the drama and constructionist ideas in action – in organizations, psychotherapy, education, conflict resolution, social research, and everyday life.

Published as part of the Taos Institute‘s Focus Book Series, a book series designed to provide reader-friendly, cutting edge, low cost resources to change agents and those whom they serve, this resource outlines in an easy-to-read format, the underlying theory for the Taos Institute’s work and mission in the world. From the first chapter…

We authors have spent most of our professional careers engaged in constructionist dialogues. Our purpose in this book is to present an account that will enable students, colleagues and practitioners — as well as those who are simply curious — to gain a basic understanding and appreciation of the drama and power of these ideas. In the first two chapters we will outline some of the most important theoretical developments.

Resource Link: www.taosinstitute.net/social-construction-entering-the-dialogue-2004

Reader’s Comments:

“This is the most beautiful and thought provoking book I have yet to come across in my rather not so long and not so wide scholarly world.”
–Temi M. Multia, Nairobi, Kenya

“I am so appreciative that you’ve presented the over-arching theory in such a succinct and accessible manner. We’re finding it relevant to dealing with the religion/science divisiveness within my family…and can also see what a powerful tool (social constructionism) can be, benefiting everyone from one-to-one relationships to international wheeling and dealings.”
–Deborah Curtis

“Interesting, thought provoking, and a little unnerving…Its ramifications are huge.”
–Andrew Voudouris, Penn State undergraduate

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