Sociodrama - Patricia Sternberg

This is the first book devoted solely to the study of sociodrama, a group learning process which provides practice in solving problems of human relations through action. This process unlocks the common threads of human experience for everyone and illuminates the thoughts, feelings, and hopes of all who participate. It offers the chance for those participants to learn about themselves, the world and their place in it. At the same time, this method often produces spontaneous enjoyment and laughter. Sociodrama: Who's in Your Shoes is a how to book offering theoretical and practical guidance for educators, psychotherapists, business people, sociologists, management and staff trainers, and pastoral counselors as well as anyone who works with groups. Sociodrama's purpose is to help participants clarify values, express feelings and practice new behaviors.

The book begins by showing the reader how to structure sociodrama sessions, how to move toward accomplishing group goals through enactment and how to avoid some of the pitfalls of sociodrama directing. It also includes historical and theoretical foundations of sociodrama. The second part of the book focuses on how to use sociodrama in a variety of settings, e.g. the work place, education, psychotherapy, the political arena, etc. This section also contains essays by other well known sociodramatists from around the world. Students, scholars, and educators of the social sciences and the arts, as well as business people, will find Sociodrama: Who's in Your Shoes an invaluable guide to this effective learning process.