Introduction to Political Psychology

By Martha L. Cottam, Elena Mastors, Thomas Preston, et al.

Book Overview

Introduction to Political Psychology explores the many psychological patterns that influence individual political behavior. The authors introduce readers to a broad range of theories, concepts, and case studies of political activity, arguing that individuals are driven or motivated to act in accordance with personality characteristics, values, beliefs, and attachments to groups. The book explains many aspects of political behavior--whether seemingly pathological actions or normal decision-making practices, which sometimes work optimally, and sometimes fail.

Thoroughly updated throughout, the book examines patterns of political behavior in areas including leadership, group behavior, voting, race, nationalism, terrorism, and war. This edition features coverage of the 2016 election and profiles former U.S. President Donald Trump, while also including updated data on race relations and extremist groups in the United States. Global issues are also considered, with case studies focused on Myanmar and Syria, alongside coverage of social issues including Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement.

Accessibly written and comprehensive in scope, it is an essential companion for all graduate and upper-level undergraduate students of psychology, political science, and political psychology. It will also be of interest to those in the policy-making community, especially those looking to learn more about the extent to which perceptions, personality, and group dynamics affect the policy-making arena.

It is accompanied by a set of online instructor resources.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0367200015
• ISBN13: 9780367200015
• Release Date: May 2022
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 586 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

This isn't Pop Psychology

Two years ago, while doing research to teach an undergraduate course in Political Psychology, the choices were slim and none. Several books of edited chapters were available, but for an undergraduate course, I wanted a textbook that would provide structure to the field. Cottam, et al have done an admirable job of marrying basic psychological processes to political applications. Well written and informative, I would recommend this as a textbook for upper division students in Psychology and Political Science. WARNING: take Social Psychology first. You won't understand the theoretical underpinnings without Social Psychology.

Great introduction to Political Psychology

This book is very recommended for anyone interested in politics, psychology, the reasons behind political actions and of course those taking beginner classes in political pschyology. The book is in an easy readable style and motivates you to learn various psychological concepts such as perception, emotions, cognition, group, etc. The book is well structured in focusing on the individual and then on the group. A chapter on leadership helps better understand presidential behavior. In the second part (Ch. 6-10) many of the concepts are applied to specific areas of interest to political scientists: voting and the media, race and ethnicity, nationalism, political extremism and international relations. Each chapter concludes with a list of key terms (which are also bold within the text). At the end of the book, all terms are listed for quick reference. However since this book is merely introductory, it will make you want to read more on the interesting topics. The literature lists at the end of each chapter give a good start for further research! Definetly recommended! 5 out of 5 stars