Dr. Brian Smedley's

Описание: Out of Chaos, Opportunity: Reflections on Psychology’s Past, Present, and Potential as a Force for Social Change

Psychology has long grappled with its dual identity as both a scientific discipline and a tool for societal transformation. Historically, the field has mirrored the biases of the broader society, often marginalizing voices of color and reinforcing systemic inequities. Yet, from the early advocacy of psychologists like Mamie Phipps Clark and Kenneth Clark in the desegregation era to the emergence of community psychology and liberation psychology, the discipline has also served as a powerful catalyst for justice. Many of these advancements are threatened today. How can psychology address the resurgence of overt expressions of bigotry and hate, and their influence on public policy? This talk will reflect on some of the lessons from the discipline’s past and present to consider new paths forward, with a focus on research and policy efforts to advance health equity. Looking ahead, psychology’s future as a force for social justice depends on its ability to transform its institutions, methodologies, and training paradigms. This includes centering marginalized communities in research, amplifying diverse voices in leadership, and embedding social justice into the core of psychological education and practice. By aligning its scientific rigor with a moral imperative, psychology can not only understand the human condition but also help reshape it toward a more just and equitable society.

Any opinions or conclusions expressed in this video are those of the individual contributors and do not reflect the views of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, the American Psychological Association, or any of their divisions or subunits.