Challenging the monoculturalism of psychology: towards a more socially accountable pedagogy and practice
Date
2004
Authors
Riggs, D.
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Journal article
Citation
Australian Psychologist, 2004; 39(2):118-126
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Damien W. Riggs
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Abstract
In this paper I employ the notion of a “socially accountable psychology” (Davidson, 1998) to explore the whiteness of psychological epistemologies. I suggest that within a multicultural society psychology needs to develop an understanding of the ways that white systems of representation shape pedagogy and practice. In order to do this, I first outline the ways in which the discipline may be conceptualised as a cultural practice that is both informed by, and constitutive of, racialised practices in Australia. I then outline a constructionist approach to understanding psychical processes that values multiple, contextual understandings of knowledge production. I conclude by suggesting that we as white psychologists need to pay particular attention to the “politics of therapy”, and the privileges that we hold.
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© Australian Psychological Society