This encyclopedia investigates the historical development of modern psychology and its intersection with the evolving social constructs of Western modernity. Wade E. Pickren, a recognized historian of psychology, compiles a series of scholarly essays that examine how the discipline has shaped and been shaped by concepts of race, gender, and sexuality. The work provides a critical framework for understanding how psychological theories have historically influenced definitions of selfhood, identity, and the human condition.

Experts recognize this volume as a significant reference for students and scholars interested in the intersection of history and psychological theory. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational resource for understanding the sociological underpinnings of the field.