Review of Social Representations in the “Social Arena”

Social Representations in the ‘Social Arena’ is characterized by a wise balance of pride rooted in a consistent epistemic choice of the theory of social representations and humility stemming from the awareness of not belonging to the mainstream of social psychology. Scholars who decide to reach out for this book may find both crucial theoretical reflections presented in the first part, as well as multiple examples of research projects that use different methodology and touch on a variety of topics. Post-graduate students who wish to broaden their understanding of the theory, including its history and development across time and space, may particularly benefit from reading contributions of three generations of social scientists spread all over the world. Different writing styles, ways of thinking and thus presenting theoretical concepts and empirical findings constitute a challenge that is worth taking. Social Representations in the ‘Social Arena’ is not an easy-read and it does not contain a general overview. Instead, it allows the readers to take different perspectives, probably seeing familiar research topics with new eyes. The vast majority of authors represent European universities, each with a slightly different approach to the theory and ways of sharing their thoughts due to personal differences as well as language and culture. In fact, the book in itself could be study material for an indigenous psychologist. Therefore, for those who sadly can read in one language only, the volume constitutes probably the first opportunity to encounter such a variety of social representations scholars’. contributions in English.