The Romance of American Psychology: Political Culture in the Age of Experts

Psychology has emerged as a powerful cultural authority, shaping everything from family structure to government policy. In her book, Ellen Herman explores how this fledgling science became the source of contemporary America's most potent ideology. The marriage of politics and psychology continued through the 1960s, with psychological experts influencing government and the general public.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Psychological insight has emerged as a powerful force in our contemporary world, evolving from a relatively quiet academic discipline to a significant cultural authority. Just two generations ago, psychology was a relatively unknown field, but it has now become a powerful voice that shapes various aspects of society, from family structures to government policies. In this groundbreaking book, Ellen Herman explores the remarkable journey of psychology's rise to prominence in post-World War II America.

The book begins by examining the context in which psychology emerged as a significant force. The atmosphere of crisis that persisted from the 1940s through the Cold War provided psychologists with an opportunity to validate their social theories and behavioral techniques. Psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists carved a niche within government, influencing military, foreign, and domestic policy.

Herman delves into the intricate relationship between politics and psychology, tracing its evolution through the tumultuous 1960s. She explores how psychological professionals' influence expanded beyond the government and reached the general public. People were drawn to psychology by its promise of mental health and happiness, seeking guidance and enlightenment from these experts. Their opinions validated postwar social movements, such as civil rights and feminism, and became the basis of a new world view.

This book is a fascinating and long overdue exploration of one of the dominant forces in American society. It sheds light on the ways in which psychology has influenced public opinion, shaped social movements, and contributed to the development of contemporary American ideology. Through its comprehensive analysis, "The Political Mind" provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between psychology, politics, and culture.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Voices Revived restores high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship to print-on-demand technology, making it accessible to a wider audience. This book was originally published in 1995, but its relevance and importance remain as strong as ever.

In conclusion, psychological insight has become a powerful force in our contemporary world, shaping various aspects of society and influencing public opinion. Ellen Herman's "The Political Mind" provides a comprehensive exploration of psychology's rise to prominence in post-World War II America, shedding light on the complex relationship between psychology, politics, and culture. This book is a valuable contribution to the field and a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of psychology in shaping our world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520305670