Abstract

Aim of the paper is to reason on the social relevance of research in (social) psychology from a theoretical and empirical standpoint which proposes some overlap between two different perspectives: social constructionism and the social representations theory. Main points discussed regard the social responsibility of the researcher, his/her role in enlightening versus obscuring the intertwining between different levels (intra-personal, interpersonal, societal), strengthening versus eroding stereotypes and prejudices. Through illustrations from our own research practice, we argue for a generative power of a «social gaze» which merges concerns in «first» and «second person» with commitment towards action research and appreciative inquiry.