The opening chapters elaborate the theoretical basis and implications of Billig's argument. On the one hand, a rhetorical psychology requires psychologists to address how the wider patterns of society are reflected in the thinking of individuals. On the other, it reveals the significance of a psychological understanding of relations between the individual and society which should, and can, reject an ultimately unsatisfactory view of individuals as "unthinking dupes" of the workings of ideology. The following chapters aim to demonstrate how a rhetorical perspective can be applied empirically. The studies described explore the concept of prejudice, argumentation within the family, common-sense opinions about monarchy, and the operations of ideology in both the very ordinary lives of the young right wing and the extra-ordinary "rationalities" of fascist propaganda. The final chapter returns to some broader themes of rhetoric and ideology. Billig offers a critique of the current modern and post-modern interest in rhetoric and outlines his alternative vision of the "argumentative society". "Ideology and Opinions" may be interesting reading for social psychologists, sociologists and all those interested in investigating both empirically and theoretically the relations between individuals and society.
Professor Michael Billig is professor of social sciences at the University of Loughborough. His most recent books are Ideology and Opinions: Studies in Rhetorical Sociology (SAGE, 1991) and Talking of the Royal Family (1992). Michael Billig has been Professor of Social Sciences at Loughborough University, UK, since 1985. He took his undergraduate degree at Bristol University, where he also completed his Ph.D. in experimental social psychology, under the supervision of Henri Tajfel. Michael considers Tajfel to have have been one of the most important figures in the history of social psychology. After leaving Bristol to take up a lectureship at Birmingham University, Michael turned away from experimental social psychology, which he found to be too intellectually and methodologically restricting. In his work, Michael has attempted to approach social psychological issues from a broader base within the social sciences. He has written books on a variety of topics. His books for SAGE include Banal Nationalism, in which he argued that in established nation-states there is an everyday, often unnoticed form of nationalism. Ideological Dilemmas, written in collaboration with other members of the Loughborough Discourse and Rhetoric Group, suggested that we should study ideology by examining how people argue and use language in everyday life. SAGE also published his book The Hidden Roots of Critical Psychology, which argues that the neglected figure of the third earl of Shaftesbury should be seen as a pivotal influence in the history of psychology, especially in the history of critical psychology. Michael has also written books on rhetoric, fascism, Freud's theory of repression, attitudes towards the British Royal Family and the history of rock'n'roll. His current work argues forcefully that academic social scientists use too much technical terminology and that ordinary concepts are often much clearer than technical ones.
Ideology, Rhetoric and Opinions Thinking as Arguing Social Representations and Rhetoric The Very Ordinary Life of Young Conservatives Arguments in Fascist Propaganda The Concept of `Prejudice' Rhetorical and Historical Aspects of Attitudes The Case of the British Monarchy The Argumentative Nature of Holding Strong Views Politics and the Revival of Rhetoric
`Useful and refreshingly provocative... Billig is excellent in his discussion of the recent apparent split in National Front attitudes to Zionism, Palestine and anti-Semitism... As close and careful studies, these repay scrutiny by anyone interested in the political uses of discourse' - Sociology `Billig's argument that the nature, as well as the content, of thought is a cultural product, and thus ideological, is significant and original... Billig's book is well informed and a commendable attempt at a truly social psychology... a valuable contribution to social theory' - Discourse & Society `In this provocative and wonderfully written book, Billig offers a truly collective approach that challenges social psychologists to move beyond individualistic models of social action. His rhetorical approach has profound implications for sociolinguistics, intergroup relations, and ideology and society' - William A Corsaro, Indiana University `In this lively collection of essays, Michael Billig demonstrates once again that he is a premier social psychologist and rhetorician' - Herbert W Simons, Temple University `Consolidates and communicates in one place Billig's views about the role and importance of rhetoric, argumentation and ideology in the study of social psychology' - Choice
