The Muslim, State and Mind: Psychology in Times of Islamophobia

This book explores the intersection of psychology, psychiatry, and politics, demonstrating how psychological theories and practices serve State interests and perpetuate inequality, especially racism and Islamophobia. It offers a critical perspective on the psy-disciplines from the margins and highlights how they contribute to the production of loyal, low-risk, and productive citizens.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Mental health is often seen as the solution to society's problems, ranging from pandemics to terrorism. However, psychology and psychiatry are not immune to politics, and neither are Muslims. In this book, Tarek Younis explores the intersection of the politics of the psy-disciplines and the politics of Muslims, shedding light on how psychological theories and practices serve the interests of the State and perpetuate inequality, particularly racism and Islamophobia. By examining the psy-disciplines from a marginalized perspective, Younis demonstrates how these disciplines are essential in producing loyal, low-risk, and productive citizens, contributing to the modern discussion of three paradigms underlying the psy-disciplines: neoliberalism, security, and the politics of mental health.

This book offers a critical analysis of the psy-disciplines and their role in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. It challenges the notion that mental health is solely a matter of individual well-being and emphasizes the political dimensions of psychological theories and practices. Younis argues that the psy-disciplines are deeply intertwined with State power and that they are used to justify and maintain social hierarchies, perpetuating discrimination and inequality.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between neoliberalism and the psy-disciplines. Younis argues that neoliberal ideology has influenced the development of psychological theories and practices, promoting individual responsibility and self-management as the keys to social success. However, this approach often overlooks the structural factors that contribute to social inequality, such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. The psy-disciplines are then used to normalize these social problems, blaming individuals for their circumstances and encouraging them to seek treatment and self-improvement.

Another important theme is the security paradigm, which has become increasingly influential in the psy-disciplines in response to the threat of terrorism and other forms of violence. Younis argues that the security paradigm has led to the militarization of mental health care, with the emphasis on preventing and treating mental illness as a security issue rather than a matter of individual well-being. This approach has resulted in the over-diagnosis of mental illness and the use of coercive treatment methods, such as forced medication and hospitalization.

The politics of mental health also intersects with the politics of Islamophobia. Younis argues that Muslims are often subjected to discrimination and prejudice in the psy-disciplines, with their mental health experiences being pathologized and stigmatized. This is particularly true in the context of counterterrorism measures, where Muslims are often targeted for surveillance and interrogation based on their religious beliefs and practices. The psy-disciplines are then used to justify these practices, perpetuating the idea that Muslims are a threat to national security.

In conclusion, this book offers a timely and important exploration of the politics of the psy-disciplines and the politics of Muslims. It challenges the notion that mental health is solely a matter of individual well-being and emphasizes the political dimensions of psychological theories and practices. By examining the psy-disciplines from a marginalized perspective, Younis demonstrates how these disciplines are essential in producing loyal, low-risk, and productive citizens, contributing to the modern discussion of three paradigms underlying the psy-disciplines: neoliberalism, security, and the politics of mental health. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between psychology, politics, and society.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 125 x 175 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529790184