CRITICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Criticism of Mainstream Psychology

    Contributes to Social Injustice
    Thwarts the Promotion of Human Welfare

Three Central Concerns of Critical Psychology

    Individual and Meaning
    Oppression and Inequality
    Intentions, Consequences, and Dilemmas

The Vision for Critical Psychology

    Basic Values

        Single Values Versus Conflicting Values
       
            Social Justice
            Self-determination and Participation
            Caring and Compassion
            Health
            Human Diversity

Conditions That Apply to Basic Values

        Balance
        Change Depending on Context and
            Time
        Potential for Transforming Society

    Basic Assumptions

        Knowledge
        Problem Definitions and Solutions
        The “Good Life”
        The “Good Society”
        Power
        Professional Ethics

DISCUSSION:

➢    What argument can be made that psychology does not maintain the status quo and, in fact, does promote meaningful social change?

➢    Are there some universal and unchanging basic values that should direct psychology’s efforts to promote “the good life,” or are these Western, neoliberal impositions?