Kurt Lewin’s Group Dynamics: propositions, context and critique

Abstract

Kurt Lewin’s Group Dynamics: propositions, context and critique. The aim of this paper is to present a critical review of Kurt Lewin’s approach on human groups, examining: i. the historical context in which Gro p Dynamics was carried out; ii. his central theoretical-practical propositions; and, iii. his political-ideological commitment. As possible determinants of its contemporary wide acceptance we point out to capacity offered by his theorizations in order to instrumentalize processes of change with low levels of tension by promoting apparently democratic intersubjective relations; placing emphasis on communication processes and centrality of emotions; and obscuring power relations and structural determinations of the group processes.