Social constructionism, discourse and gender

Abstract

The challenges faced by psychology, and especially by social psychology, might be considered as part of the debate introduced by post-modernism. In social psychology, this debate is currently organized around "social constructionism" (K. Gergen, 1994a; 1994b; J. Shotter, 1993, 1995), or even "discursive psychology" (R. Harré, 1995; R. Harré and G. Gillett, 1994; I. Parker, 1992; J. Potter and M. Wetherell, 1987). This article presents a review of the literature that shapes the framework of this ongoing debate. First, a brief presentation of the background of those new theoretical perspectives, as well as the emergence of new realities and resources for action is introduced. Next, the authors discuss how gender can be conceived within these new approaches, through a brief reflection over the problems raised by relativism. The piece concludes with a presentation of the alternatives and strategies that are needed for a feminist psychology, considering the set of questions that represent stimulating challenges for the development of the debate in social psychology. In this discussion the authors bear in mind the political action, which is always necessary to the construction of equality between men and women. 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v15i1.490