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This special volume features contributions aligned with the interdisciplinary explosion of research on the biological and neurological foundations of social behavior and organization. Biosociology and neurosociology are rapidly developing scientific fields that draw from, and contribute unique knowledge to, a number of interdisciplinary partners, including: biopsychology, neuropsychology, evolutionary psychology, social and affective neuroscience and neurophilosophy. The chapters in this volume focus on the complex and dynamic links between brain, mind, self, society, and human evolutionary heritage in relation to group dynamics and social interaction, emotions, morality, historical processes, anti-social behavior, and mental health.

This article examines collaborative utterances in interaction from a multimodal perspective. Whereas prior research has analyzed co-constructions ex post as the result of local speaker collaboration on the basis of audio data, this study shifts the focus to co-constructing as a highly coordinated, embodied practice. By examining video data of Spanish interactions, this research aims to show how speakers systematically deploy a variety of linguistic and bodily resources that serve as points of joint orientation throughout the process of co-constructing utterances.

AbstractNeurosociology is a multilevel, integrative perspective that does not replace, but rather strengthens and is strengthened by, more established sociological traditions. It is a tract of common ground with the neurosciences and other "neuro friendly" social sciences, and so it heralds an exciting period of discovery through an unprecedented synthesis of ideas. To facilitate the continued progress of neurosociology, we address two pressing goals. First, we aim to help sociologists better understand and appreciate the unique and important benefits of thinking neurosociologically. We describe several programs of research in social psychology where the benefits of a neurosociological approach are already being delivered. We show how "interdisciplinarity" involving sociology and neuroscience can (i) contribute to answering nagging questions at the nexus of method and theory, (ii) stimulate theoretical progress by allowing us to take new angles on old problems, and (iii) help us develop useful practical applications. Second, we discuss the need to make the tools of the neurosciences more accessible to sociologists. Interdisciplinary trends are occurring that will take us part of the way, but much of the work is still left to us. We provide some suggestions to help interested colleagues access the means to conduct neurosociological research.

Advances in Group Processes publishes theoretical analyses, reviews, and theory based empirical chapters on group phenomena. The series adopts a broad conception of 'group processes'. This includes work on groups ranging from the very small to the very large, and on classic and contemporary topics such as status, power, trust, justice, social influence, identity, decision-making, intergroup relations, and social networks. Previous contributors have included scholars from diverse fields including sociology, psychology, political science, economics, business, philosophy, computer science, mathematics, and organizational behavior. Volume 40 brings together papers that address theoretical and empirical issues in small groups and organizational research related to: The role of affect in shaping perceptions of the police and the predisposition to mass violence The shaping of prosocial behaviors (e.g., pro-environmental behaviors) by various social/societal factors, such as the shape and density of one's personal networks Differences in social status, its role in producing and sustaining social inequality and the unintended consequences of initiatives such as interventions designed to lessen status-based inequalities and level the playing field within the workplace. Reflecting a range of novel approaches from leading scholars in the field, this volume explores the relevance of group processes in analysing social status, iniquities and behaviors.

AbstractFor well over a century, sociologists have directed considerable attention to understanding and explaining the processes that produce social solidarity – the feeling of interpersonal connectedness that binds members of society together. Despite the centrality of solidarity to sociological thought, many sociologists remain unaware of the biosocial processes and mechanisms that create and sustain it. We espouse a biosociological viewpoint, which illuminates solidarity as a complex and fascinating interplay between biological and social elements. In this paper we discuss three important advances within the field of neuroscience that point to exciting new avenues of research for sociologists: (i) the discovery of mirror neurons, (ii) developments in the understanding of brain plasticity, and (iii) increased appreciation of the role of non‐conscious processes in social interaction. Additionally, we discuss ongoing basic and applied research to demonstrate how sociologists can capitalize on recent scientific developments to advance their own research agendas.VIDEO ABSTRACT ‐ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is9de_ajheM&hd=1