The Oxford Handbook of Political Psychology

by Leonie Huddy

"This volume contains 30 chapters that provide an up-to-date account of key topics and areas of research in political psychology. In general, the chapters apply what is known about human psychology to the study of politics. Chapters draw on theory and research on biopsychology, neuroscience, personality, psychopathology, evolutionary psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and intergroup relations. Some chapters address the political psychology of political elites-their personality, motives, beliefs, and leadership styles, and their judgments, decisions, and actions in domestic policy, foreign policy, international conflict, and conflict resolution. Other chapters deal with the dynamics of mass political behavior: voting, collective action, the influence of political communications, political socialization and civic education, group-based political behavior, social justice, and the political incorporation of immigrants. Research discussed in the volume is fuelled by a mix of age-old questions and recent world events"--

Genres: Politics, Psychology, Nonfiction, Political Science, Philosophy, International Relations, Sociology

1216 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2003

Reviews

[Mayim de Vries · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reviewers said that reading this book is like drinking water from a fire hose. I couldn't agree more.

[Paige McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting entries on psychological makeup on individuals. I am personally and interested in where temperament and personality make up political leanings and outlooks. I really go for that stuff. I like Avi Tuschmans work showing the left-right axis of politics being determined by two of the big five personality factors (openness, conscientiousness) that seem to originate in genetic factors like Xenophobia vs. Xenophilia that come from possible mating strategies with in groups and out groups. However, this book covers many of the aspects of political psychology, and the issues that voters deal with, and the positions they take towards them.