ABSTRACT
Social Psychology is one branch of
Psychology which keeps the umbilical cord of
the subject with other Social Sciences intact.
Hence, Social Psychology is often taken to be
a soft subject in comparison with other hard
core branches of Psychology like Experimental
and Abnormal Psychology. This paper will
try to argue for a place in the sun for Social
Psychology in teaching and in practice, both for
theoretical reasons and also to create a more
‘inclusive and multi- disciplinary Psychology’.
The content and the concepts in Social
Psychology often demand a nuanced
pedagogical approach and a multi- disciplinary
approach – (borrowing from Sociology,
Anthropology, Women’s Studies etc.), why this
is essential will be critically examined and
illustrated in the paper.
In contemporary times, there are many
challenges in teaching Social Psychology e.g.
current socio political events, students from
heterogeneous backgrounds and the gap
between the Curriculum and ground reality.
The paper will analyse some of these challenges.
At the same time, there are many possibilities
like engaging with critical social issues in a
meaningful way, consolidating diversity and
creating a multi –cultural Social Psychology,
to name a few. The paper will highlight some of
these opportunities.
In the South Asian context too, Social
Psychology offers a lot of scope to build bridges
and engage in a dialogue on our common
problems and similar solutions.
This paper will attempt to address some of
the specificities of teaching Social Psychology
in an Indian University while simultaneously
keeping in mind, the South Asian context.
Teaching Social Psychology :
Challenges and Possibilities
Dr. Sadhana Natu
Associate Professor and Head Dept. of Psychology
Modern College, Ganeshkhind, Pune University, Pune, India E Mail: [email protected]
Key Words: social psychology, challenges,
possibilities, curriculum, teaching, Asia
Introduction
Social Psychology is the only branch of
Psychology that is concerned with the individual
and the social. It is also a branch of Psychology
which keeps the umbilical cord of the subject
with other Social Sciences intact. Hence, Social
Psychology is often taken to be a soft subject
in comparison with other hard core branches of
Psychology like Experimental and Abnormal
Psychology. This is a myth that needs to be
busted.