A History of “Relevance” in Psychology

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, History, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book A History of “Relevance” in Psychology by Wahbie Long, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Wahbie Long ISBN: 9781137474896
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: June 23, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Wahbie Long
ISBN: 9781137474896
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: June 23, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book represents the first attempt to historicise and theorise appeals for ‘relevance’ in psychology. It argues that the persistence of questions about the ‘relevance’ of psychology derives from the discipline’s terminal inability to define its subject matter, its reliance on a socially disinterested science to underwrite its knowledge claims, and its consequent failure to address itself to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The chapters go on to consider  the ‘relevance’ debate within South African psychology, by critically analysing discourse of forty-five presidential, keynote and opening addresses delivered at annual national psychology congresses between 1950 and 2011, and observes how appeals for ‘relevance’ were advanced by reactionary, progressive and radical psychologists alike.

The book presents, moreover, the provocative thesis that the revolutionary quest for ‘social relevance’ that began in the 1960s has been supplanted by an ethic of ‘market relevance’ that threatens to isolate the discipline still further from the anxieties of broader society. With powerful interest groups continuing to co-opt psychologists without relent, this is a development that only psychologists of conscience can arrest.                                                                                     

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book represents the first attempt to historicise and theorise appeals for ‘relevance’ in psychology. It argues that the persistence of questions about the ‘relevance’ of psychology derives from the discipline’s terminal inability to define its subject matter, its reliance on a socially disinterested science to underwrite its knowledge claims, and its consequent failure to address itself to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

The chapters go on to consider  the ‘relevance’ debate within South African psychology, by critically analysing discourse of forty-five presidential, keynote and opening addresses delivered at annual national psychology congresses between 1950 and 2011, and observes how appeals for ‘relevance’ were advanced by reactionary, progressive and radical psychologists alike.

The book presents, moreover, the provocative thesis that the revolutionary quest for ‘social relevance’ that began in the 1960s has been supplanted by an ethic of ‘market relevance’ that threatens to isolate the discipline still further from the anxieties of broader society. With powerful interest groups continuing to co-opt psychologists without relent, this is a development that only psychologists of conscience can arrest.                                                                                     

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book Regimes of Social Cohesion by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Representations of Peace and Conflict by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Sociology in Poland by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Sovereign Debt and International Financial Control by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Between Dissent and Power by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book British Asian Muslim Women, Multiple Spatialities and Cosmopolitanism by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book The Defence Capabilities of Small States by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Crime, Criminal Justice, and the Evolving Science of Criminology in South Asia by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Foucault, the Family and Politics by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Disease and Death in Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Improving Primary Mathematics Education, Teaching and Learning by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book The Palgrave Handbook of Sexuality Education by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Investigating the Performance of Chinese Banks: Efficiency and Risk Features by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book The Scottish Nation at Empire's End by Wahbie Long
Cover of the book Screenwriting Poetics and the Screen Idea by Wahbie Long
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy