Social Representations Theory: Principles, Mechanism and Methodology

Despite its long-standing recognition in Europe, Social Representations Theory (SRT) is represented by a limited number of translated works and theoretical studies in Turkey. Existing empirical research tends to briefly introduce the conceptual framework of the theory without providing in-depth analysis. This study aims to examine the ontological and epistemological foundations of SRT, highlighting its critiques of the mainstream social cognition paradigm in psychology and the alternative approaches it offers. SRT explores how individuals’ thoughts, imaginations, and behaviors are shaped through interaction with social processes, offering a distinct perspective and conceptual framework compared to the mainstream social cognition paradigm. In this regard, the study seeks to demonstrate how SRT’s social and cognitive analytical framework serves as an effective theoretical tool for understanding societal dynamics and evaluating the issues arising from social changes in modern societies. To this end, the study elaborates on the core assumptions of SRT and the function of the concept of representation, while also introducing two primary research orientations widely accepted in the literature that outline the general operation of social representation studies. In Türkiye, existing studies primarily focus on understanding and explaining discursive conflicts arising from modernization, social changes, and political transformations. However, apart from certain health-related topics, these studies present a fragmented thematic landscape. This study summarizes the applications of SRT in Türkiye, offering a general overview of the field and evaluating the theory’s potential contributions.