The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, Peace Action, and Theories of Conflict: 1936-1950

Describes the founding of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), which was initially a reaction to the unemployment of psychologists during the 1930's. Soon after its formal inauguration, the SPSSI Council became active in antiwar activities as well. A committee on the psychology of war and peace was formed; at that time 90% of psychologists surveyed denied that any proof existed for the view that human instincts lead to war. At the close of World War II, SPSSI set up new committees on international relations charged with the task of maintaining the closest possible contact with government agencies to make clear to them how psychology could be used in the maintenance of a sound basis for the preservation of peace and national security. Social scientists in the postwar period began to offer a theory of conflict that stated that neither war nor peacefulness are inborn in humans but conflict arises from misunderstanding. By 1950, the basis for popular peace action had become perceived as an issue of the political left. The next movement for peace within organized psychology came not from the SPSSI but from a group that was initially independent--the Research Exchange for the Prevention of War. (20 ref)