A Social History of Psychology documents the rise of psychology in the 20th century and its growing influence on Western society. The book focuses on practical, or 'applied', psychology and examines the causes and social consequences of psychology's omnipresence in our society.

A Social History of Psychology documents the rise of psychology in the twentieth century and its growing influence on Western society. The book focuses on practical, or “applied”, psychology and examines the causes and social consequences of psychology’s omnipresence in society. After a general overview of the history of psychology as a practical discipline, the book provides detailed accounts of the role of psychology in the fields of child rearing and education, work, mental health care, culture and ethnicity, delinquency and law, and attitudes and social orientations.

Focusing on psychology as a social enterprise, A Social History of Psychology is a unique resource for understanding the history and development of contemporary psychology.

A Social History of Psychology documents the rise of psychology in the 20th century and its growing influence on Western society. The book focuses on practical, or 'applied', psychology and examines the causes and social consequences of psychology’s omnipresence in our society.

• Documents the rise of psychology in the 20th century and its growing influence on Western society
• Contains contributions that focus on psychology as a social enterprise, written by researchers with extensive experience teaching the history of psychology
• Focuses on practical psychology rather than academic theory and provides a detailed account of the development of various branches of professional psychology
• Provides a clear and insightful historical background for understanding contemporary developments within applied psychology