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Revolution in Psychology: Alienation to Emancipation


Revolution in Psychology: Alienation to Emancipation

Paperback by Parker, Ian

Revolution in Psychology: Alienation to Emancipation

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£23.99

ISBN:
9780745325354
Publication Date:
20 Jun 2007
Language:
English
Publisher:
Pluto Press
Pages:
272 pages
Format:
Paperback
For delivery:
Estimated despatch 17 - 19 May 2024
Revolution in Psychology: Alienation to Emancipation

Description

"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.

Contents

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

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