Critical Psychology

Paper Summary:

The paper states that there is no practical definition of "critical psychology" and then offers a suggestion. The paper states that critical psychology should contain certain components and the paper highlights them and addresses them. The paper explains that the field of critical psychology takes a critical look at mainstream psychology, and in the process, embraces several disciplines within the field of psychology that practitioners of critical psychology feel have been ignored by mainstream psychology.

From the Paper:

"Parker wrote that critical psychology should include these important components: one, a "systematic examination" of how some aspects of mainstream psychological dynamics operate "ideologically and in the service of power" (in other words, mainstream psychology supports the status quo which is not always on the right side of social change); two, critical psychology should include a study of the ways in which "all varieties of psychology are culturally historically constructed," and how alternative versions of psychology may "confirm or resist ideological assumptions in mainstream models"; three, critical psychology should be a study of "forms of surveillance and self-regulation" in daily life patterns; and four, critical psychology should be an "Exploration of the way 'ordinary psychology' structures academic and professional work in psychology," and how everyday actions might offer the substance of a strategy for resisting "contemporary disciplinary practices."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Parker, Ian. (2006). Annual Review of Critical Psychology. Retrieved Dec. 1, 2007, from http://www.psychology.mmu.ac.uk/staffpsychology_academic/pr_ian_parker.htm.
• Prilleltensky, Isaac; & Fox, Dennis. (1997). Critical Psychology: An Introduction. New York:Sage Publications.
• Sonn, Christopher. (2005). Critical psychology practice: Reflections on the 3rd International Critical Psychology Conference. South African Journal of Psychology 35(3), 592-597.
• University of the West of England. (2007). Faculty of Applied Sciences, School of Psychology: What is Critical Psychology? Retrieved Dec. 1, 2007, from http://science.uwe.ac.uk/psychology/TheCriticalPsychologyResearchGroup.htm#whatis

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