You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
This book is of considerable interest to the psycho-analyst because it looks at the relationship of the individual to society in a way unfamiliar to him. The author finds it difficult to harmonize the view that social responsiveness grows out of early response to parental care with the fact that both gregarious and less sociable animals go through an early period of maternal care. He regards sociability as a natural disposition of the human species. He believes that there is in most human beings a spontaneous liking for friendly social companionship. The author rejects the psycho-analytic concept of aggression and prefers to speak of pugnacity. On this and a few other occasions it becomes clear that if the individual is viewed in his relation to society, some important aspects which reveal themselves in the relationship to other individuals only are bound to be overlooked. The social psychologist ought to be aware of this limitation, just as much as the psycho-analyst of his, where problems of social behaviour are concerned.
In discussing social development of early life the author refers to Piaget's studies, which form a link between psychology and sociology. The most important factor contributing to moral behaviour is the desire to avoid inner tension. The author presents interesting material concerning the importance of social subgroups to the individual and to the community as a whole. On them the richness of a culture largely depends. Some causes of social deprivation are discussed. There are interesting chapters on the role of competition, on social status, and on leadership. The notion of normality is viewed in the context of value judgment. To regard behaviour as abnormal means, according to Professor Harding, to deny its social relevance. To be judged abnormal may be an advantage for the genius and the innovator because it may accord them the benefits of social insulation. The author accepts Ernest Jones' concept of the normal mind, with some