Decolonial Psychology: Toward Anticolonial Theories, Research, Training, and Practice

This book provides an expert synthesis of the scholarly literature on approaches to decolonial psychology, its historical foundations, education and training, and psychological practice. It emphasizes how people's subjectivity and connections to diverse social groups are influenced by history, context, and oppression, and how knowledge production is shaped by the questions asked. The chapters offer readers a deeper understanding of how colonization and coloniality impacted knowledge creation in society and the field of psychology, and how coloniality continues to reverberate in many aspects of psychology today. The book provides guidance on methods to disrupt psycolonization and its epistemic violence, helping to provide a roadmap to decolonial psychology and anticolonial futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: American Psychological Association

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of decolonial psychology, providing a thorough and insightful synthesis of the scholarly literature on this emerging field. It explores the historical foundations, education, training, and psychological practice associated with decolonial psychology, shedding light on its potential to transform the field and promote inclusivity and relevance for a global audience.

From its inception, psychological science and practice in the United States have been deeply influenced by Eurocentric epistemologies, perpetuating the belief that the cultures and values of oppressed people are inferior to those of dominant groups. This pervasive mindset has led to the internalization of oppression among marginalized communities. However, by infusing a decolonial lens into psychology, the field can strive to become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of the numerical majority worldwide.

Decolonial psychology offers a transformative framework that empowers oppressed and impoverished communities to envision a future beyond the confines of coloniality, neoliberalism, racism, and other systems of oppression. It emphasizes the subjective experiences of individuals and their connections to diverse social groups, recognizing the historical, contextual, and oppressive factors that shape their lives. The book delves into the active resistance and survival strategies employed by these populations, as well as the impact of knowledge production on their human rights and well-being.

The chapters in this book provide a rich tapestry of insights, offering readers a deeper understanding of how colonization and coloniality have influenced knowledge creation in society and the field of psychology. Thought-provoking resources are provided to explore the subject matter further, while also underscoring the ongoing reverberations of coloniality in various aspects of psychology today. Collectively, the authors invite readers to resist psycolonization by generating ideas and pathways to help reclaim, honor, and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

The volume also offers valuable guidance on methods to disrupt psycolonization and its epistemic violence. By challenging the dominant narratives and power structures, decolonial psychology seeks to create a more equitable and just world for all. It encourages practitioners to engage in reflexive practice, self-reflection, and cultural humility, recognizing the inherent biases and prejudices that may exist within their work.

In conclusion, this book serves as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and activists seeking to promote decolonial psychology and advance social justice. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of this field, offering a roadmap for building a more inclusive and equitable psychological practice. By embracing a decolonial lens, psychology can become a powerful tool for dismantling systems of oppression and promoting the well-being of all individuals and communities.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433838521