Teaching Social Psychology: Challenges and Possibilities

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.