The notion of social justice permeates much of current Western political and cultural discourse with a newfound urgency. What it means to be socially just is a question Morris et al investigate and interrogate, looking at psychology's contributions to the subject and considering the practicality of social justice in light of modern subjectivity.
The book begins by examining the lack of equity and inclusivity in education and the ways in which psychology has been complicit in the margninalization of oppressed groups. Drawing upon Lacanian theory, it goes on to discuss how diversity initiatives take on an obsessive-neurotic characteristic that can stifle those it claims to understand and promote .The authors investigate the anxiety around the performance of being socially just or "woke" and suggest how psychology can contribute to the development of socially just humans, more attuned to the needs of others, through the appreciation of interconnectivity and compassion.
An imperative text for scholars and students of philosophical and theoretical psychology, critical psychology, social psychology, psychoanalysis, social work, and education.
About the Author: Bethany Morris is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. She has her doctoral degree from the University of West Georgia and her research interests include theoretical approaches to gender and sexuality, race and racism, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and discourse analysis.
Sebastienne Grant is a Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Graduate Program Director for the MA Critical Psychology and Human Services program at Prescott College. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of West Georgia. Her work is grounded in critical, humanistic, existential, Buddhist, and transpersonal perspectives.
Chase O'Gwin is Assistant Professor of Psychology and Coordinator of General Psychology program at Northwest Missouri State University. He obtained his doctoral degree from the University of West Georgia. His work included theoretical psychology, subjectivity in relation to Exceptional Experiences (ExE), the psychology of horror and Lacanian psychoanalysis.
Sakenya McDonald earned a Master of Arts in Humanities and is currently a Ph.D. Fellowship Recipient at Prescott College studying institutional power dynamics, systemic apathy, and resilient community models.
