Since the mid-1980s, the psychology of liberation movement has been a
catalyst for collective and individual change in communities throughout
Latin America, and beyond; and recent political developments are making
its powerful, transformative ideas more relevant than ever before.
Psychology of Liberation: Theory and Applications updates the activist
frameworks developed by Ignacio Martin-Baro and Paulo Freire with
compelling stories from the frontlines of conflict in the developing and
developed worlds, as social science and psychological practice are
allied with struggles for peace, justice, and equality.
In these chapters, liberation is presented as both an ongoing process
and a core dimension of wellbeing, entailing the reconstruction of
social identity and the transformation of all parties involved, both
oppressed and oppressors. It also expands the social consciousness of
professionals, bringing more profound meaning to practice and enhancing
related areas such as peace psychology, as shown in articles such as
these:
- Philippines: the role of liberation movements in the transition to
democracy.
- Venezuela: liberation psychology as a therapeutic intervention with
street youth.
- South Africa: the movement for representational knowledge.
- Muslim world: religion, the state, and the gendering of human rights.
- Ireland: linking personal and political development.
- Australia: addressing issues of racism, identity, and immigration.
- Colombia: building cultures of peace from the devastation of war.
Psychology of Liberation demonstrates the commitment to overcome social
injustices and oppression. The book is a critical resource for social
and community psychologists as well as policy analysts. It can also be
used as a text for graduate courses in psychology, sociology, social
work and community studies.
