In a bold move to address the intersection of mental health and socio-political structures, Global Project has launched a new Critical Psychology column. This initiative aims to explore the revolutionary frontiers of psychology, challenging the traditional views that often align with the interests of those in power.
As articulated by Mark Fisher in 2008, widespread mental health issues should be reframed as antagonisms against the true causes of discontent, particularly capitalism. The column will feature articles, interviews, and contributions from both professionals and service users, shedding light on the challenges faced by the psychological community today.
Critical psychology offers a radical alternative to conventional practices, questioning the dominant ideologies that shape the field. It emphasizes the need for a reflexive approach, recognizing that the human psyche is not a neutral entity but rather a product of social interactions within historically determined contexts.
The current landscape of psychology is marked by an increase in diagnoses and prescriptions, often driven by societal pressures that redefine normalcy. However, this column critiques the notion that all labels and prescriptions are harmful without proposing viable alternatives for those in need.
Recent legislative efforts, such as Italy's DDL Zaffini, highlight the ongoing tension between mental health policies and the realities of community-based interventions. The column will delve into how mental health practices can become tools of surveillance and normalization, often reinforcing social hierarchies.
As the column unfolds, it will confront the complexities of mental health, power, and politics, advocating for a psychology that is critically aware of its historical and ideological roots. The goal is to foster a space for radical rethinking and challenge the status quo in the field of psychology.