Revolution in Psychology
Alienation to Emancipation
"A radical methodological approach to psychology that is open to social change - in an anti-capitalist, anti-racist and feminist politics." Antonio Negri
Psychology is meant to help people cope with the afflictions of modern society. But how useful is it? Ian Parker argues that current psychological practice has become part of the problem, rather than the solution.
Ideal for undergraduates, this book deconstructs the discipline to reveal the neoliberal sensitivities that underlie its theory and practice. Psychology focuses on the happiness of 'the individual'. Yet it neglects the fact that the happiness of the individual depends on their social and political surroundings.
Ian Parker argues that a new approach to psychology is needed. He offers an alternative vision, outlining how the discipline can be linked to political practice and how it can help people as part of a wider progressive agenda. This groundbreaking book is at the cutting edge of current thinking on the discipline and should be required reading on all psychology courses.
Psychology is meant to help people cope with the afflictions of modern society. But how useful is it? Ian Parker argues that current psychological practice has become part of the problem, rather than the solution.
Ideal for undergraduates, this book deconstructs the discipline to reveal the neoliberal sensitivities that underlie its theory and practice. Psychology focuses on the happiness of 'the individual'. Yet it neglects the fact that the happiness of the individual depends on their social and political surroundings.
Ian Parker argues that a new approach to psychology is needed. He offers an alternative vision, outlining how the discipline can be linked to political practice and how it can help people as part of a wider progressive agenda. This groundbreaking book is at the cutting edge of current thinking on the discipline and should be required reading on all psychology courses.
Ian Parker is Professor of Management in the School of Management at the University of Leicester and President of the College of Psychoanalysts-UK. He is the author of Psychology and Society (Pluto, 1996), Slavoj Zizek: A Critical Introduction (Pluto, 2004), Revolution in Psychology (Pluto, 2007) and Revolutionary Keywords for a New Left (2015).
'A radical methodological approach to psychology that is open to social change change - in an anti-capitalist, anti-racist and feminist politics' - Antonio Negri
'A remarkable book. A sharply honed scythe through the dangers of mainstream scientistic psychology as well as through some spiritual, humanistic, 'positive' and discursive alternatives' - Don Foster, Professor of Psychology, University of Cape Town
'A really necessary book. Ian Parker harvests the insights of the social movements of recent decades and transforms them into a new paradigm, finding a deep connection between psychology and politics' - Frigga Haug
'This is a very clear and useful critique of the discipline of psychology in its various branches. Definitely to be recommended as an introductory text for anyone trying to connect radical politics and the study of psychology' - Professor John Holloway, Instituto de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades of the BenemÈrita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla in Mexico
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. What is psychology? Meet the family
2. Psychology as ideology: Individualism explained
3. Psychology at work: Observation and regulation of alienated activity
4. Pathologising dissent: Exploitation isolated and ratified
5. Material interests: The manufacture of distress
6. Spiritless conditions: Regulating therapeutic alternatives
7. Professional empowerment: Good citizens
8. Historical, personal and political: Psychology and revolution
9. Commonsense: Psychological culture on the left
10. Elements of opposition: Psychological struggles now
11. Transitional demands: Taking on psychology
12. What next? Reading and resources
Notes
References
Index
Introduction
1. What is psychology? Meet the family
2. Psychology as ideology: Individualism explained
3. Psychology at work: Observation and regulation of alienated activity
4. Pathologising dissent: Exploitation isolated and ratified
5. Material interests: The manufacture of distress
6. Spiritless conditions: Regulating therapeutic alternatives
7. Professional empowerment: Good citizens
8. Historical, personal and political: Psychology and revolution
9. Commonsense: Psychological culture on the left
10. Elements of opposition: Psychological struggles now
11. Transitional demands: Taking on psychology
12. What next? Reading and resources
Notes
References
Index
Published by Pluto Press in Jun 2007
Paperback ISBN: 9780745325354
135mm x 215mm