Sage Sociology Social Psychology Quarterly - Confessions of a Recently Outed Social Psychologist
Sep 16, 2025
Brian Powell, a professor at Indiana University and 2024 Cooley-Meade Award recipient, dives into the complexities of identity in social psychology. He candidly shares his personal reflections on the stigmatization of the field and the struggles academics face in self-identifying. The discussion also highlights the historical significance of figures like Du Bois and the importance of innovative research from emerging scholars. Topics like intersectionality, joy in sociology, and challenges related to healthcare for the transgender community add depth to this insightful conversation.
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Sheepish Award Lunch
- Brian Powell recounts a lunch where a colleague was surprised he had won a social psychology award and he admitted he hadn't seen himself as a social psychologist.
- He describes long-standing ambivalence about labeling himself despite extensive social-psychological work and collaborations.
Reluctant Grad Student Becomes Leader
- Powell describes mentoring a grad student who resisted calling her work social psychology but later became a leader in the subfield.
- He uses this example to show many scholars study social-psychological topics yet avoid the label.
Why Social Psychology Is Undervalued
- Powell identifies four reasons social psychology is stigmatized: the word 'psychology', perceived micro focus, rigid boundary work, and heavy methodological sophistication.
- He argues these factors combine to make some sociologists view the field as separate or overly technical.