The Theory of Dialogical Self provides a comprehensive scientific social theory that incorporates the serious effects of globalization and its impact on individual development. Hubert Hermans and Angieszka Hermans-Konopka present a new, compelling perspective on historical changes in perceptions of social reality, and how these changes have influenced mobilization, emotion, leadership ability, and conflict resolution.

It details the improvement of dialogical relationships both within the self and between individuals, groups, and cultures, with examples from everyday life. The book addresses a variety of issues analyzed in new and unexpected ways: the pros and cons of traditional, modern, and postmodern self-concepts, the role of emotions, power and dominance, leadership ability, and conflict resolution.

This work will attract the interest of scholars across a wide range of fields, including psychology and sociology.

“An exceptionally original and intellectually stimulating discussion of the problems of subjectivity in a rapidly evolving world.” PAUL H. LYSAKER, Indiana University School of Medicine

“The 'dialogical self' is among the most significant and inventive theories in the social sciences over the past 20 years. In this book, the theory is presented clearly and analyzed in depth, covering an impressive range, both in psychology and sociology, economics, philosophy, and political science. The book should be welcomed in all these fields as a very important contribution to understanding globalization.” JEFFREY ARNETT, Clark University

“The most accessible and comprehensive description, to date, of the Dialogical Self. This volume addresses a wide range of issues that connect practice with theory, the local with the global, the theory of positioning with the research on emotion, with timely and valuable theoretical explanation. The goal and perspective of the authors' work ensures its offering as a critical reference for research and study of concepts in the emerging understanding of the Dialectical Self.” HENDERIKUS J. STAM, Editor, Theory & Psychology

List of Figures viii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

1. The impact of globalization and localization on the self and identity 21

2. The self and identity from a historical perspective: traditional, modern, postmodern, and dialogical models 85

3. The theory of positioning and dialogue 124

4. Positioning and dialogue in lifelong development 207

5. A dialogical perspective on emotions 263

6. Practical conclusions for organizations, motivation, and conflict resolution 333

References 379

Index 399