This text in social psychology deliberately adopts a critical, unconventional approach. Until recently social psychology seemed to have escaped relatively lightly from the climate of critical questioning which has characterized other areas of the social sciences. But this has changed: it is now possible to identify a clear forum of challenge, which could be described as "critical social psychology". This book draws upon and consolidates this new current of thinking, while at the same time providing a critical introduction to the field. It introduces students to the concepts, methods and debates in social psychology, but does so in a way that is questioning rather than doctrinaire. The overall argument of the book is that social psychology has not uncovered the well-springs of social behaviour and experience but has "brought them into being" by virtue of the theories and narratives constructed by it. The book is suitable for first and second year undergraduates in psychology and social psychology. Wendy Stainton Rogers is the author of "Explaining Health and Illness: An Exploration of Diversity", and co-author of "Child Abuse and Neglect" and "Stories of Childhood: Shifting Agendas of Child Concern" (with Rex Stainton Rogers).