Body Talk: The Material and Discursive Regulation of Sexuality, Madness and Reproduction / Edition 1

by Jane Ussher

Overview

Psychology has traditionally examined human experience from a realist perspective, focusing on observable 'facts'. This is especially so in areas of psychology which focus on the body, such as sexuality, madness or reproduction. In contrast, many sociologists, anthropologists and feminists have focused exclusively on the cultural and communicative aspects of 'the body' treating it purely as an object constructed within socio-cultural discourse.
This new collection of sophisticated discursive analyses explores this divide from a variety of theoretical standpoints, including psychoanalysis, social representations theory, feminist theory, critical realism, post-structuralism and social constructionism.
Body Talk reconciles the divide by putting forward a new 'materialist-discursive' approach. It also provides an introduction to social constructionist and discursive approaches which is accessible to those with limited previous knowledge of socio-linguistic theory, and showcases the distinctive contribution that psychologists can make to the field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415153645
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/06/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jane Ussher

Editorial Reviews

Explores the divide between two approaches to psychology<-->corporeality and social construction<-->from a variety of theoretical standpoints, including psychoanalysis, social representations theory, feminist theory, critical realism, post-structuralism, and social constructionism. Proposes a new material-discursive approach as a way to reconcile the divide. Also provides an introduction to social constructionist and discursive approaches which is accessible to those with limited previous knowledge of socio-linguistic theory. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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