Social Exchange Theory as a Conceptual Framework for Teaching the Sociological Perspective

Datos Bibliográficos

ID11063809
AutoresJodi A O'Brien (autor de correspondencia), Peter Kollock
Año1991
Volumen19
Número2
Páginas140
Fecha de publicación1991-04-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaTeaching Sociology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0092-055X • E-ISSN: 1939-862X
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2307/1317845
OpenAlexW2080565070
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas16

We present social exchange theory as a conceptual frameworkfor developing the sociological imagination. Our central thesis is that this framework provides a corrective for two trends in teaching social psychology: an overemphasis on social forces as the determinants of behavior and a hesitancy to bring values into the classroom. Exchange theory emphasizes not simply the constraining effects of social structure, but also how individual action collectively creates, reproduces, and changes social structure. In addition, the central concepts of social exchange theory provide a legitimate vehicle for introducing values into the classroom. Students learn to assess critically their own personal values as well as those of various social and political groups. We illustrate this framework by applying it to a number of social psychological and sociological topics, including personal relationships, power and institutions, and social dilemmas

Epistemology · Perspective (graphical · Social exchange theory · Social science · Sociological imagination · Sociological theory · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Philosophy · Social and Intergroup Psychology