Kurt Lewin

Pioneers of Human Behaviour: Kurt Lewin
A Gateway to His Life, Theories, and Legacy

Kurt Lewin is often called the father of modern social psychology. A refugee from Nazi Germany, a brilliant thinker shaped by the battlefields of the First World War, and a pioneer of democratic participation, he gave us some of the most practical tools for understanding and guiding change. From classrooms and workplaces to communities and global movements, Lewin’s ideas continue to shape how we lead, learn, and live together.

This concise yet powerful volume traces his life and work — from his early years in Prussia, through his groundbreaking theories of field and force, to his invention of action research and the creation of group dynamics at MIT. It offers both a portrait of the man and a gateway into his enduring influence.

Alongside an accessible exploration of Lewin’s theories, you’ll discover:
• How his simple formula B = f(P, E) reshaped psychology by linking person and environment.
• Why his force field analysis remains vital for understanding habits, organisations, and social systems.
• The origins of the famous unfreeze → change → refreeze model still used in management today.
• How his leadership climates experiment proved that democratic groups outperform authoritarian ones.
• The story of how his action research approach made communities partners in their own transformation.
• The legacy of his students and colleagues, who spread his influence into conflict resolution, cognitive dissonance, and organisational development.

Part biography, part theory guide, part reflection on legacy, this book captures Lewin’s unique blend of science and humanity. It is written for students of psychology, professionals in education and management, and anyone interested in the forces that shape human behaviour.

The Pioneers of Human Behaviour series celebrates the lives and legacies of psychology’s greatest minds, presenting timeless insights in a format designed to inspire, inform, and endure.