Psychology and Rural Contexts: Psychosocial Dialogues from Latin America

This book highlights the growing production of psychological studies in rural contexts in Latin America, addressing the lack of reflections and approaches on rural societies and their interactions with urban agents. It presents a selection of psychological studies and interventions developed from a psychosocial and interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on land and nature, and contributions from social actors in rural spaces. The book is divided into five parts, covering theoretical approaches, mental health, social movements, gender relations, and environment and sustainability, with participatory approaches and experiences prioritized.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 349 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book brings together a diverse range of theoretical reflections, empirical research, and professional experiences to showcase the growing production of psychological studies in rural contexts across Latin America in recent years. Historically, psychology has predominantly been a science and an urban profession, lacking comprehensive reflections and approaches on the significant actors within rural societies and their interactions with urban agents, whether they be related to integration, conflicts, or contradictions. However, a new generation of psychologists is increasingly focusing their attention on rural contexts, particularly in Latin America. This volume aims to present a selection of these psychological studies and interventions developed in rural contexts from a psychosocial and interdisciplinary perspective, collaboratively developed with various social actors who live and work in rural spaces. These social actors have deep connections with land and nature, influencing their history, subjectivities, and identity ties with the territory, as well as their engagement in struggles for land rights and public policies that ensure access to education, health services, technical assistance, and infrastructure for their livelihoods.

The book is organized into five parts, each dedicated to a specific dimension of psychosocial studies and interventions in rural contexts:

Theoretical Approaches: This section explores the theoretical frameworks and perspectives that inform psychological studies in rural contexts. It examines the challenges and opportunities presented by the unique social, cultural, and environmental factors that shape rural life and explores the ways in which psychological theories can be adapted to better understand and address the needs of rural populations.

Mental Health and Rural Populations: This part focuses on the mental health challenges and well-being of rural populations. It examines the prevalence of mental health disorders, the factors contributing to these disorders, and the strategies and interventions that can be implemented to promote mental health and well-being in rural communities.

Social Movements, Communities, and Resistance Practices: This section explores the role of social movements, communities, and resistance practices in shaping rural contexts. It examines the ways in which these actors engage in collective action and advocacy to address social, economic, and environmental issues and the psychological processes and factors that contribute to their resilience and sustainability.

Gender Relations and Subjectivation Processes: This section examines the gender dynamics and subjectivation processes in rural contexts. It explores the ways in which gender roles, stereotypes, and power relations are constructed and reproduced, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be implemented to promote gender equality and empowerment in rural communities.

Environment and Sustainability: This section explores the relationship between environment and sustainability in rural contexts. It examines the ecological challenges and opportunities presented by rural landscapes, the strategies and interventions that can be implemented to promote sustainable development and conservation, and the psychological processes and factors that contribute to environmental awareness and action.

In each of these sections, chapters prioritize reports of experiences and research conducted with participatory approaches, generating new perspectives and reflections that contribute to the understanding of psychosocial studies and interventions in rural contexts. The book aims to provide a valuable resource for psychologists, researchers, policymakers, and social activists working in the field of rural development, psychology, and social sciences. By highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by rural contexts, the book seeks to foster dialogue, collaboration, and action to promote the well-being and empowerment of rural populations.

Weight: 581g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030829988
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021