Self-Efficacy in Changing Societies

Abstract

Self-Efficacy in Changing Societies Albert Bandura (Ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995, 334 pp., $00.00 Research and publication on the construct entitled self-efficacy has grown exponentially in terms of both numbers of studies and diversity of applications. Self Efficacy in Changing Societies consists of 10 chapters that analyze the diverse ways in which perceived self-efficacy troth shapes and is shaped by sociolcultural experiences. Edited by Albert Bandura, the book is based upon papers presented by international scholars at a conference held November 4-6, 1993, at the Johann Jacobs Foundations Communication Center, Marbach Castle, Germany and centers around the theme that "young people's beliefs in their personal efficacy to manage the demands of rapidly changing societal conditions help them to meet these challenges" (p. vii). The introductory chapter, Written by Bandura, begins by addressing what he considers to be "central issues" regarding the nature and function of perceived self-efficacy. The majority of the chapter is dedicated to the role of efficacy beliefs in different arenas of human functioning. In addition, the chapter explores the role of perceived self-efficacy in individualistic and collectivistic social systems and concludes by discussing current conditions that may impede the development of collective efficacy, and ways that individuals attempt to recapture some control over these conditions. In chapter 2, Glen Elder, Jr., describes the essential elements of what he calls an "emerging life course paradigm" and then discusses research exploring societal change in America and the impact on beliefs of personal efficacy. Elder demonstrates how personal efficacy beliefs operate within a much broader network of sociocultural influences than have been previously considered. Chapter 3, written by August Flammer, is a developmental analysis of how control beliefs emerge and change throughout the human life span, with the primary focus being the first 12 years. Rammer also discusses the impact of control beliefs on self-concept and prioritization of various life pursuits. Klaus Schneewind's contribution lo the text (chapter 4) addresses the impact of structural and process-oriented aspects of family life on the development of self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. He examines the extensive impact of early family experiences for the individual and discusses several important issues that influence the development of family efficacy beliefs. Schneewind concluded the chapter by presenting an integrative model for studying the processes that influence the acquisition and development of efficacy beliefs within the family context. The fifth chapter, written by Gabriele Oettingen, examines the role of culture in the development of self-efficacy. The chapter begins with an examination of the impact of cultural diversity on self-efficacy information in family and school contexts. Next, the author identifies cross-cultural influences on children's self-efficacy beliefs that operate in school contexts of specific cultures. The chapter closes with a discussion of the universality of self-efficacy effects on persons' cognition, affect, and motivation across cultures. …