The need for social psychology is believed to have originated from large-scale conflicts such as wars, famines, and other catastrophes. “According to the field's first historian, F.B. Karpf, the answer is yes: the social turmoil surrounding the Civil War motivated the development of the field” (Morawski, 2000, p. 427). Largely in response to whatever historical event was happening at the time, social psychological theories were developed to explain these events with concrete, usable data. People needed a method to understand the “social characteristics of (their) psychological experiences” (Morawski, 2000, p. 429) and to standardize social institutions. In 1890, William James constructed a theory to explain the human need for attention and favorable interaction. with others. “James proposed a radical addition that the social self is not a singular self but plural selves: properly speaking, a man has many social selves since there are individuals who recognize him and carry an image of him in their minds” (Morawski , 2000, page 428). According to James, the self plays many roles and can adapt in response to contrasting conditions and collective interactions. James's foundational theory inspired future theorists to explore the question of social psychology and its consequences for individuals and society as a whole. In 1897, James Mark Baldwin used his theory to explain the progression of human intuition and character traits. Baldwin stated that the self can only be developed and explained through exchanges with other human beings. The actions of the individual are in fact the result of a certain interaction with society as a whole. “A man is a social achievement rather than a social unit” (Morawski, 2000, p. 428). With the influence of James and Baldwi...... half of the document ......tions and human evolution. Contemporary theorists began by focusing on solving social ills for the greater good of humanity, but a more popular attitude of individualistic responsibility soon took hold. Social power has played an important role in advancing behavioral research and technologies into society for use and for those who have benefited from it. Despite an early attempt to bring humans together in harmony, social psychology soon revolved around the “haves” and the “have-nots.” From its early days to modern times, social psychology has not only influenced the individual but also created an impact on society as a whole. Bibliography Kipnis, D. (1994). Accounting for the use of behavioral technologies in social technology. American Psychologist, 49(3), 165-172.Morawski, J. G. (2000). Social psychology a century ago. American psychologist , 55 (4), 427-430.