In this informative, informal and intergenerational dialogue on the psychology of group processes, Marshall Edelson and David N. Berg use and test current theory, laying practical guidelines for realizing the constructive possibilities of groups and organizations They argue that pernicious processes in groups can be voided by the development of a complex understanding of the factors and identities which influence and create a group. In a group setting, change or learning occur through the active participation of all group members. They suggest that, rather than theoretical ideas, humans use stories as tools to understand and share experiences. Within this conceptual framework, they discuss key themes, such as the practice and teaching of group psychotherapy and group dynamics; group identities - gender, generation, race, ethnicity; the problem of scapegoating in groups; and the nature of authority ''Rediscovering Groups'' is an interchange of ideas between two individuals from different generations, who recount and compare their experiences of groups and organizations. This detailed and personal analysis thus both describes and enacts its dual themes of narrative and collaboration.
Prologue. Part I: Stories1. Arriving at the Idea of Stories, Marshall Edelson. 2. Using Stories in Doing Psychotherapy, Marshall Edelson. 3. Using Stories in Teaching Psychotherapy, Marshall Edelson. 4. Psychological and Social Theories as Narrative Paradigms, Marshall Edelson. 5. Essential Plot Ingredients: Diversity, Conflict and Dissent, David Berg. 6. Stories and Theories, David Berg. 7. Intergroup Stories Everywhere! David Berg. 8. What Stories does a Group Psychotherapist Hear? David Berg. Part II: The Problem of Interpretation: Which Story Are You Receiving? 9. Tuning in on the Group-as-a-Whole, Marshall Edelson. 10. The Characters Change, the Plot Remains the Same, David Berg. Part III: Individual vs Group 11. On Being a Group Member I, Marshall Edelson. 12. On Being a Group Member II, David Berg.. 13. The Movie Group, Marshall Edelson. 14. Diversity and Group Formation, Marshall Edelson. 15. Morality, David Berg. Part IV: Using and Abusing Authority. 16. Leaders and Followers, Marshall Edelson. 17. Teaching Psychotherapy: A Subversive Activity, Marshall Edelson. 18. Rebellion, David Berg. Part V: Pernicious Processes in Groups. 19. Thrown to the Wolves, Marshall Edelson. 20. Scapegoating, Marshall Edelson. 21. Individual Frames, Intergroup Scripts and Scapegoating, David Berg. 22. Gender, Marshall Edelson. 23. Group Identities, David Berg. 24. Belling the Cat, Marshall Edelson. Part VI: Intergroup Relations. 25. The Search for Community, Marshall Edelson. 26. Openness, David Berg. 27. The Effects of Intergroup Relations on Collective Problem-Solving, Marshall Edelson. 28. Betweenness, David Berg. Part VII: Using Groups to Help People. 29. Group Dynamics for Group Psychotherapists, Marshall Edelson. 30. The Now-and-Future Role of Groups in Psychiatry, Marshall Edelson. Notes. References. Index.
Rediscovering Groups is an extraordinary achievement. It illuminates, through narrative and commentary, the complexities and contradictions of group and organizational life. Marshall Edelson and David Berg, by writing with uncommon intelligence, wisdom, frankness, and clarity about their own intensely felt experiences, give us observations and insights that are at once intimate and universal. The book is so carefully constructed and richly textured, with stories so well told and commentary so pertinent, that it should be required reading for all of us whatever our role who work with groups of any kind. It fills a need that no other book comes close to filling.
