Human Groups

by W.J.H. Sprott

Human Groups (First Penguin Pelican edition A 346)

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1963

About the author

Walter John Herbert Sprott

1897-1971

Reviews

[Michael David · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a general survey of studies featuring the 'small group' in social psychology, and the book has significant overlap with Olmsted's The Small Group. This, however, is better written, and still possesses revelations in my perusal of it. For example, there is one study that posits that there are an increased number of homosexuals in urban society because the father becomes an absent and ineffectual figure. Instead, the mother becomes the central and dominant figure in many a male's life, and this creates complications in terms of 'identifications.' (p. 66).

Even the Dunning-Kruger effect is adumbrated in one social study (p. 108). It may not be a novel book to keen observers, but it makes sense out of a lot of human interactions we deem weird in vivo.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's a presentation on the views of social psychologists from around the 1950s, in relation to small groups eg. families, neighbourhoods, audiences etc.

Even though it's quite old, many of the views don't feel outdated (although some do), and they made me think about groups in a different light. It seems a lot of research went into creating this book yet the author isn't afraid to say that the answers to some questions are unknown and more research needs to be done.

All in all, a good read, would recommend to anyone interested in the subject.

[Elena Martínez Revuelta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sociology book from the 70s analyzes social small and big groups (close friends, siblings, sports teams…) in such a unique way.

I’ve never been interested in sociology but this book felt easy to read and understand. Even tho the book seems to have a lot of reserarch done, the author talks in a humble way and often mentions that the data that has been given is not 100% right, which makes the story feel more real and relatable i guess?

One of my favorite books ever, it helps you change so many points of view in different subjects, so interesting.

[Kris Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this at my local library for 25 cents. Wasn't a bad book, makes some interesting points but it's just strange. The author doenst see children as human beings and has a cynical view on a few other disturbing topics. Just weird.

[Shakir Sharfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a gem of a book. The author surveys the developments in social psychology and lists interesting experiments and observations about group psychology. Its a pity that it has been allowed to go out of print.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good look at human groups as well as current theory and practice as of a few decades ago.