Foundations of Affective Social Learning: Conceptualizing the Social Transmission of Value

Affective social learning is a new concept in psychology that explains why what matters to us matters to us by observing other people's emotions and valuing a particular object, person, or event. It helps to understand the transmission of value from a culture to a person and why the things that are important to us can be of no consequence to others.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 276 pages
\n Publication date: 18 November 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This groundbreaking book, penned by esteemed experts in comparative, developmental, social, cognitive, and cultural psychology, presents a novel concept called affective social learning. Its purpose is to shed light on the underlying reasons why certain things hold significance for us while remaining irrelevant to others. Similar to social learning, which explains how we observe and imitate the behavior of others to acquire knowledge of how to use a particular object, affective social learning explains how we observe and comprehend the emotions of others to develop an appreciation for a particular object, person, or event. By doing so, affective social learning conceptualizes the transfer of value from a specific culture to an individual, unveiling the underlying factors that determine why certain things are deeply valued by us while having little meaning to others.

The authors of this book draw upon extensive research and expertise in their respective fields to explore the complexities of affective social learning. They delve into the mechanisms by which individuals acquire values, the role of emotions in shaping our perceptions, and the cultural influences that shape our values. Through vivid examples and case studies, the book demonstrates how affective social learning operates in various contexts, including family, peer groups, and society as a whole.

One of the key insights of affective social learning is that values are not fixed or universal, but rather are shaped by the experiences and interactions we have with others. The book challenges the notion that there is a single, objective truth about what is right and wrong, and instead emphasizes the subjective nature of values. It suggests that individuals develop their values through a process of socialization, where they learn from their parents, peers, and cultural norms. However, this socialization process is not always linear or straightforward, and individuals may have the capacity to challenge and redefine their values based on their own experiences and beliefs.

Affective social learning also highlights the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in developing healthy relationships and navigating social situations. The book emphasizes the need to understand and respond to the emotions of others in a respectful and meaningful way, which can lead to greater understanding and cooperation. It also suggests that individuals can develop their emotional intelligence through practice and self-reflection, which can enhance their ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build strong relationships.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of affective social learning. Written by experts in their respective fields, it provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of human behavior and the factors that shape our values and beliefs. By challenging traditional perspectives and promoting a more nuanced understanding of human emotions and social interactions, affective social learning offers a new framework for understanding the complexities of human behavior and relationships. Whether you are a psychologist, educator, or simply interested in human behavior, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the human mind and society.

\n Weight: 392g\n
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108461054\n
Edition number: New ed\n