RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, CRITICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND
LIBERATION PSYCHOLOGY: A LATIN AMERICAN RESPONSE
Maritza Montero (2004)
Summary:
In this paper, we explore the idea that community social psychology, critical social psychology, and liberation social psychology
have shaped a neoparadigmatic response. These movements emerged in Latin America at separate times: the first two in the 1970s
and the third in the 1980s. We analytically and comparatively investigate the Latin American literature related to these three areas,
identifying their distinctive characteristics, as well as their similarities and differences. Our results show the mutual influence
between these domains and how they complement each other, sharing sources, objectives, and concepts.
WHY THIS STUDY WAS CARRIED OUT
In this paper, we explore how three expressions of psychosocial work have emerged and developed in Latin America from the end
of the twentieth century to the present. These expressions—community social psychology, liberation social psychology, and critical
social psychology—not only respond to the specific needs of our societies, but also reflect the global paradigm of scientific
transformation that emerged in the 1960s.
Through a comparative analysis of the Latin American literature on these areas, we identify their distinctive characteristics, as well
as the similarities and differences between them. Our study reveals how these currents influence each other, sharing sources,
goals, and concepts, and how together they form an innovative and contextualized response to the crises and challenges facing
psychology and society in our region.
FROM COMMUNITY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY TO LIBERATION SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH THE CRITICAL CURRENT
In Latin America, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a powerful neo-paradigmatic wave emerged that transformed both the social
and natural sciences. In the field of social psychology, this transformation manifested itself strongly through the creation of
community social psychology. From the outset, this novel approach focused on the study of the psychosocial factors that allow
individuals to exercise control over their social and personal environment, promoting changes and solutions to collective problems.
Community social psychology was distinguished by three key elements: the recognition of power and the relations of inequality
that determine social dynamics, transformative action directed at both the environment and social structures, and the participation
of individuals as agents of change within their communities. This approach not only marked a break with the prevailing practices
in social psychology until then, but also reconfigured the methodologies and relationships between psychologists and study
subjects.
This movement temporarily coincided with the emergence of the critical approach in the early 1980s and preceded by little more
than a decade the development of liberation social psychology in 1986. All these movements shared a common spirit of responding
to the urgent needs and deep inequalities in Latin American societies, thus configuring an innovative and contextualized response
from the psychosocial field.
OF CRITICISM IN PSYCHOLOGY
ORIGINS
In the critical current of psychology, we identify two distinct origins that converge in a radically transformative approach. One of
these origins was born in Latin America in the mid-1970s, influenced by critical sociology, Freirian popular education, and
movements such as alternatives to psychiatry. This context gave rise to community social psychology, which developed as a
psychosocial response focused on empowering communities to confront their problems and transform their social environments.
The second origin can be traced back to the field of Anglo-Saxon psychology in the mid-1960s, known as radical psychology. This
current was characterized by its profound critique of social structures and its focus on intervening both in individual relationships
and in society as a whole. Beginning in the 1980s, he adopted the adjective "critical" to reflect his anti-positivist stance and his
political commitment to denouncing socioeconomic conditions and their effects on science and society.
1
Made by MatyBuda
, Both movements, although emerging in different contexts, shared the aspiration to question established theories and propose
new ways of understanding and addressing social phenomena. His Marxist influences and focus on political and social
transformation marked a significant milestone in contemporary psychology, challenging traditional practices and seeking liberating
alternatives to the oppressive forms existing in the psychology of his time.
OF BEING AND THE SCOPE OF CRITICISM
Dealing with the critical condition is a complex but crucial challenge in the social sciences and, particularly, in psychology. Since
the late 1960s, we have witnessed the emergence of a critical current that has permeated every aspect of our discipline. This label,
like so many others loaded with positive value, has been used to legitimize theories and practices, often without substantial
justification.
True critique, however, involves more than just designation; It is derived from the Greek "krisis," related to choosing and
distinguishing between multiple perspectives and possibilities. In psychology, being critical involves questioning established
theories, revealing contradictions and gaps, and exposing the power relations that perpetuate social injustices. This introspective
gaze also requires self-reflection, acknowledging one's own biases and tendencies.
Critique, inevitable and often annoying, plays a vital role in pointing to the need for change and the transformative potential of
knowledge. It is dynamic and adaptable, always ready to challenge the status quo and open new avenues of understanding. More
than a tool of denunciation, critique is liberating by challenging hierarchies and ways of thinking that perpetuate inequality and
submission.
In short, criticism is essential to preserve the freedom and integrity of scientific knowledge, preventing it from becoming dogma.
Her ability to open up new perspectives and challenge the status quo makes her an indispensable force in the evolution of
psychology and other disciplines.
CRITIQUE, ETHICS, COMMUNITY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND LIBERATION
Determining the critical character of a psychological field, position, theorizing, or research is central to our praxis in community
social psychology and liberation psychology. Critique is valued for its ability to show alternatives, recognize the diversity of social
actors, and highlight the relationship between social phenomena and their context. This implies a comprehensive approach that
is often lost in fragmenting social phenomena.
In addition, the critical attitude involves an ethical-political-scientific conscience, as Martín-Baró argues, which requires a
commitment to the people with whom we work. From a Gramscian perspective, being critical implies challenging the ideology
present in the common sense of communities. In community work, we observe how power and submission generate inequalities,
privileges, and exclusions.
Other indicators of critical thinking include constant reflexivity about our actions and personal responsibility for our results.
Methodical doubt encourages us to regard our certainties as provisional practical truths, subject to revision. Motivation towards
social transformation, ensuring equitable access to social goods and fighting injustices and oppressions affecting groups and
individuals is also crucial.
Therefore, taking a critical stance involves more than superficial analysis; It requires an ethical, epistemological, and political
commitment to diversity and social justice, recognizing the individual and collective rights of those we study and work with.
To determine the critical character of a psychological situation, it is crucial to consider the questions posed by Prilleltensky and Fox
(1997), which apply to both community social psychology and critical social psychology:
1. Is the status quo being promoted or challenged? Promoting the status quo can eliminate criticism and perpetuate
authoritarianism, stifling dissent, and diversity.
2. Is social justice or injustice promoted? This is assessed by considering who benefits and whether those affected are listened to,
allowing them to express their opinions.
3. Are the social repercussions of the practices and theories of the field considered? It is essential to critically examine the
methodologies and implications of the theories used.
4. Is there an explicit statement of the values assumed in the research or intervention? It is important for researchers to recognize
and discuss their biases, beliefs, and commitments.
2
Made by MatyBuda
LIBERATION PSYCHOLOGY: A LATIN AMERICAN RESPONSE
Maritza Montero (2004)
Summary:
In this paper, we explore the idea that community social psychology, critical social psychology, and liberation social psychology
have shaped a neoparadigmatic response. These movements emerged in Latin America at separate times: the first two in the 1970s
and the third in the 1980s. We analytically and comparatively investigate the Latin American literature related to these three areas,
identifying their distinctive characteristics, as well as their similarities and differences. Our results show the mutual influence
between these domains and how they complement each other, sharing sources, objectives, and concepts.
WHY THIS STUDY WAS CARRIED OUT
In this paper, we explore how three expressions of psychosocial work have emerged and developed in Latin America from the end
of the twentieth century to the present. These expressions—community social psychology, liberation social psychology, and critical
social psychology—not only respond to the specific needs of our societies, but also reflect the global paradigm of scientific
transformation that emerged in the 1960s.
Through a comparative analysis of the Latin American literature on these areas, we identify their distinctive characteristics, as well
as the similarities and differences between them. Our study reveals how these currents influence each other, sharing sources,
goals, and concepts, and how together they form an innovative and contextualized response to the crises and challenges facing
psychology and society in our region.
FROM COMMUNITY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY TO LIBERATION SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY THROUGH THE CRITICAL CURRENT
In Latin America, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a powerful neo-paradigmatic wave emerged that transformed both the social
and natural sciences. In the field of social psychology, this transformation manifested itself strongly through the creation of
community social psychology. From the outset, this novel approach focused on the study of the psychosocial factors that allow
individuals to exercise control over their social and personal environment, promoting changes and solutions to collective problems.
Community social psychology was distinguished by three key elements: the recognition of power and the relations of inequality
that determine social dynamics, transformative action directed at both the environment and social structures, and the participation
of individuals as agents of change within their communities. This approach not only marked a break with the prevailing practices
in social psychology until then, but also reconfigured the methodologies and relationships between psychologists and study
subjects.
This movement temporarily coincided with the emergence of the critical approach in the early 1980s and preceded by little more
than a decade the development of liberation social psychology in 1986. All these movements shared a common spirit of responding
to the urgent needs and deep inequalities in Latin American societies, thus configuring an innovative and contextualized response
from the psychosocial field.
OF CRITICISM IN PSYCHOLOGY
ORIGINS
In the critical current of psychology, we identify two distinct origins that converge in a radically transformative approach. One of
these origins was born in Latin America in the mid-1970s, influenced by critical sociology, Freirian popular education, and
movements such as alternatives to psychiatry. This context gave rise to community social psychology, which developed as a
psychosocial response focused on empowering communities to confront their problems and transform their social environments.
The second origin can be traced back to the field of Anglo-Saxon psychology in the mid-1960s, known as radical psychology. This
current was characterized by its profound critique of social structures and its focus on intervening both in individual relationships
and in society as a whole. Beginning in the 1980s, he adopted the adjective "critical" to reflect his anti-positivist stance and his
political commitment to denouncing socioeconomic conditions and their effects on science and society.
1
Made by MatyBuda
, Both movements, although emerging in different contexts, shared the aspiration to question established theories and propose
new ways of understanding and addressing social phenomena. His Marxist influences and focus on political and social
transformation marked a significant milestone in contemporary psychology, challenging traditional practices and seeking liberating
alternatives to the oppressive forms existing in the psychology of his time.
OF BEING AND THE SCOPE OF CRITICISM
Dealing with the critical condition is a complex but crucial challenge in the social sciences and, particularly, in psychology. Since
the late 1960s, we have witnessed the emergence of a critical current that has permeated every aspect of our discipline. This label,
like so many others loaded with positive value, has been used to legitimize theories and practices, often without substantial
justification.
True critique, however, involves more than just designation; It is derived from the Greek "krisis," related to choosing and
distinguishing between multiple perspectives and possibilities. In psychology, being critical involves questioning established
theories, revealing contradictions and gaps, and exposing the power relations that perpetuate social injustices. This introspective
gaze also requires self-reflection, acknowledging one's own biases and tendencies.
Critique, inevitable and often annoying, plays a vital role in pointing to the need for change and the transformative potential of
knowledge. It is dynamic and adaptable, always ready to challenge the status quo and open new avenues of understanding. More
than a tool of denunciation, critique is liberating by challenging hierarchies and ways of thinking that perpetuate inequality and
submission.
In short, criticism is essential to preserve the freedom and integrity of scientific knowledge, preventing it from becoming dogma.
Her ability to open up new perspectives and challenge the status quo makes her an indispensable force in the evolution of
psychology and other disciplines.
CRITIQUE, ETHICS, COMMUNITY SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND LIBERATION
Determining the critical character of a psychological field, position, theorizing, or research is central to our praxis in community
social psychology and liberation psychology. Critique is valued for its ability to show alternatives, recognize the diversity of social
actors, and highlight the relationship between social phenomena and their context. This implies a comprehensive approach that
is often lost in fragmenting social phenomena.
In addition, the critical attitude involves an ethical-political-scientific conscience, as Martín-Baró argues, which requires a
commitment to the people with whom we work. From a Gramscian perspective, being critical implies challenging the ideology
present in the common sense of communities. In community work, we observe how power and submission generate inequalities,
privileges, and exclusions.
Other indicators of critical thinking include constant reflexivity about our actions and personal responsibility for our results.
Methodical doubt encourages us to regard our certainties as provisional practical truths, subject to revision. Motivation towards
social transformation, ensuring equitable access to social goods and fighting injustices and oppressions affecting groups and
individuals is also crucial.
Therefore, taking a critical stance involves more than superficial analysis; It requires an ethical, epistemological, and political
commitment to diversity and social justice, recognizing the individual and collective rights of those we study and work with.
To determine the critical character of a psychological situation, it is crucial to consider the questions posed by Prilleltensky and Fox
(1997), which apply to both community social psychology and critical social psychology:
1. Is the status quo being promoted or challenged? Promoting the status quo can eliminate criticism and perpetuate
authoritarianism, stifling dissent, and diversity.
2. Is social justice or injustice promoted? This is assessed by considering who benefits and whether those affected are listened to,
allowing them to express their opinions.
3. Are the social repercussions of the practices and theories of the field considered? It is essential to critically examine the
methodologies and implications of the theories used.
4. Is there an explicit statement of the values assumed in the research or intervention? It is important for researchers to recognize
and discuss their biases, beliefs, and commitments.
2
Made by MatyBuda
