Addressing the Empty Self: Toward Socially-Just Subjectivities

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 2014

This article proposes that all psychologists-and all psychologies-are innately concerned with justice, and yet there is no consensually defined discipline of psychology, and no consensual understanding of social justice. Adopting an intergroup and identitybased model of what is and what should be, we will describe the mechanisms whereby identities and perceptions of justice are formed, contested, and changed over time. We will argue that psychological research and practice have implications for social justice even where-and perhaps especially when-these are not made explicit. Psychology is considered as the product of diverse groups with distinct and evolving identities, and with differential access to resources and power, which dynamically contest different normative perceptions of justice.

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 2014

Although there has been considerable empirical scholarship on the psychological dimensions of social justice, there has been less interest in interrogating and clarifying the philosophical and theoretical issues that lie at the intersection of psychology and social justice. The purpose of this special issue is to bring together a range of established scholars with diverse social and political commitments to reflect on some of the philosophical and theoretical issues that emerge when psychologists address social justice in their research and practice. The major themes taken up in this issue include the relationship between the individual and the community, the role that psychology plays both in promoting and in preventing the development of more equitable social and political institutions, and the way that different forms of universalism (e.g., moral, scientific, psychological) inform the struggle for social justice.

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 2014

Although there has been considerable empirical scholarship on the psychological dimensions of social justice, there has been less interest in interrogating and clarifying the philosophical and theoretical issues that lie at the intersection of psychology and social justice. The purpose of this special issue is to bring together a range of established scholars with diverse social and political commitments to reflect on some of the philosophical and theoretical issues that emerge when psychologists address social justice in their research and practice. The major themes taken up in this issue include the relationship between the individual and the community, the role that psychology plays both in promoting and in preventing the development of more equitable social and political institutions, and the way that different forms of universalism (e.g., moral, scientific, psychological) inform the struggle for social justice.

Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 2019

Given widespread interest and commitment among psychologists to promote social justice, this article takes up the question "What is social justice?" and critically examines the efforts of psychologists in its pursuit. Contemporary challenges to defining social justice are discussed as well as problems resulting from an absence of consensus regarding its meaning. It is argued that social justice only can be understood in light of its particular history. A brief historical overview of social justice is provided. This history supplies the grounds for a critical treatment of conceptions of social justice and psychological initiatives. Fraser's framework for social justice is presented as a theoretical guide for psychologists that can be defended in light of a "best account." Public Significance Statement This article investigates what social justice means and how it pertains to psychology.

American Psychologist, 2012

Much of psychological science and knowledge is significantly relevant to social justice, defined here as the goal to decrease human suffering and to promote human values of equality and justice. A commitment to social justice has evolved as a more important value in the last few decades for psychology, including for the American Psychological Association (APA). The mission, vision, goals, Ethics Code, and strategic plan of APA all provide a rationale for psychologists' involvement in systematic and visible ways of applying our knowledge to social issues. Although psychology has not been immune to the application of psychological knowledge in destructive ways, overall, psychology, many psychologists, and APA have demonstrated a commitment to social justice. This article provides a brief review of the key proponents, debates, and controversies involved in applying psychological science and knowledge to complex societal problems. Psychologists often find themselves in conflict and honest disagreement when the association addresses complex and controversial issues. An important goal is that we continue to find ways to agree or disagree in a respectful manner regardless of where each of us stands on the various positions that APA takes.

Oxford Handbooks Online

The emergence of this handbook on social justice represents a groundbreaking event in the history of social psychology. In this summary discussion, I outline significant limits to social justice work embedded in the empiricist tradition of inquiry and point to ways in which the current work transcends these limits. However, I also view the present endeavors as in a fledgling state. In the service of enriching and rendering these pursuits more effective, I discuss five domains in which tensions currently prevail and suggest directions for future undertakings. Challenges are discussed in terms of epistemological schisms, presumed ontologies, value pluralism, explanatory paradigms, and the limits of representationalism. A final invitation is made to shift from a mirroring orientation to research to world-making.

South African Journal of Psychology

First, I would like to recognize the late Prof. Siphiwe Ngcobo's contribution to the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), academia, and South African society at large. I also congratulate PsySSA on achieving the 25-year milestone. As we celebrate a similar milestone as a democracy, I wish I could say violence that took Professor Ngcobo's life has abated or that we have come closer to achieving social justice or that mental illness is more accepted socially. When I considered my topic, I came across Dennis Fox et al.'s paper titled 'Critical psychology for social justice: concerns and dilemmas', where they cite three interrelated concerns: the first concern is that by focusing on the individual rather than the group and larger society, mainstream psychology overemphasizes individualistic values, hinders the attainment of mutuality and community, and strengthens unjust institutions; second, mainstream psychology's underlying assumptions and institutional allegiances disproportionately hurt members of powerless and marginalized groups by facilitating inequality and oppression; and third, these unacceptable outcomes occur regardless of psychologists' individual or collective intentions to the contrary. They go on to explain the relevance of three central concepts: mainstream psychology's restricted level of analysis, the role of ideology in strengthening the status quo, and psychology's false claim to scientific objectivity and political neutrality. I would also like to share Saths Cooper's take on the topic: The quest for a psychology that is reflective of and accessible to all of humanity should be a truly worthy endeavor that will strengthen our science and its numerous applications globally. .. . The desire for psychology to be more reflexive, eschewing its traditional preoccupation with a limited Euro-American worldview, deserves all of our considered attention. As a country and globally, we are living through very challenging times where it's a crime to be different.

2009

Psychology is maturing as a discipline and profession 133 years after Wilhelm Wundt began his research at the University of Leipzig. During this period psychology has seen a slow and steady progression from a purely objective, scientific and individually oriented profession to one increasingly aware of the personal impacts of societal injustices. Psychologists, counselors and educators are challenged to assume larger roles as advocates for those trapped by social, economic and political disparity.

Encyclopedia of Critical Psychology, 2014