This popular text/reader has been distinguished by the engaging essays that introduce the major parts of the book, and a wide-ranging, eclectic set of essays that students enjoy as they are introduced to the major theories, concepts and perspectives in contemporary social psychology.The principles which explain how we, as individuals, come to know and define ourselves in society can seem abstract and dry to the typical undergraduate. But when these theories are explained or told through stories and narrativesthey are fascinating. That is exactly what this book does.