Callaghan, J. (2005) Becoming a psychologist: professionalism, feminism, activism. Annual Review of Critical Psychology. 4, pp. 139-154. 1746-739X.
- Information
Information
Abstract:
In this article, I explore the ways in which discourses of ‘professionalisation’ and the psychological construction of ‘femininity’ operate to constrain and block activism amongst South African women psychology students. I use resources from discursive, postcolonial and feminist theory, to analyse extracts from a series of interviews with students about their professional training in psychology. I unpack students’ talk about professionalisation and depoliticisation. I explore the construct of the ‘caring psychologist’ as a possible alternative to the construct of the ‘professional psychologist’, articulating both its potential as a base for resistance to professionalisation, and its limitations as a subject position embedded within constraining discourses of femininity. The article forms
part of a larger project, that questions the appropriateness of professionalisation and western models of psychology in the South African context.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
psychology; feminism; activism; ethic of care; femininity; South Africa
Subjects:
Creators:
Callaghan, J.
Publisher:
Discourse Unit, Manchester Metropolitan University
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date:
2005
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 139-154
Journal or Publication Title:
Annual Review of Critical Psychology
Volume:
4
Language:
English
ISSN:
1746-739X
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
 |