Critical Psychology in Norway A brief review commenting on.docVIP

Blakar, R. M. Nafstad, H. E. (2006) ‘Critical Psychology in Norway: A brief review commenting on why critical psychology is currently virtually absent’, Annual Review of Critical Psychology, 5, pp. 167-173 /arcp/5 Rolv Mikkel Blakar Hilde Eileen Nafstad Critical Psychology in Norway: A brief review commenting on why critical psychology is currently virtually absent Introduction In this review article we will present a brief historical outline of critical psychology in Norway. Some reasons why Norwegian critical psychology is currently virtually absent will be given. Finally, a review of critical voices that can nevertheless be heard will be presented. First, however, we will briefly outline what is implied by critical psychology in this review as the word ‘critical’ is being used in a variety of different ways. In academic contexts ‘critical’ is definitely a word of honor. Nobody wants to be characterized as uncritical, na?ve, nonreflected, or whatever the opposite (antonym) of critical is taken to be. Naturally, it is not this common sense meaning of the word ‘critical’ we have in mind when we review critical psychology in Norway. Frankly, we have met several critical psychologists who are na?ve indeed. (Not to speak about all the mainstream psychologists we have met who are na?ve in their belief in the neutrality of science.) Definition Our core criterion for categorizing any psychology as critical, is that psychology – research and/or practice – is deliberately being used in an attempt to influence and change society; in order to create a better society, a better world. According to this definition, therefore, a critical psychologist is involved in societal issues adopting psychology in his or her striving for a more just society characterized by less social and economic inequality. Such an enterprise may be undertaken in a variety of different ways: by trying to influence and change society at large; by community psychology; by focusing on special sectors, pa