Toward a socially responsible psychology for a global era

Abstract

Reviews the book, Toward a Socially Responsible Psychology for a Global Era by Elena Mustakova-Possardt, Mikhail Lyubansky, Michael Basseches, and Julie Oxenberg (see record [rid]2013-31977-000[/rid]). The entire book is oriented toward the moral education of psychologists and the institutions related to psychologists (academia, the American Psychological Association, etc.). Every chapter has worthwhile advice regarding the moral development of psychologists, and often specific advice for reframing the moral education of psychology majors and graduate students and psychology programs. The moral message of this book could not be more important: humanity is one. A recurrent theme across most of the chapters co-written by Mustakova-Possardt is that of critical consciousness. She convincingly argues that critical moral consciousness, motivated by a love of truth, beauty and goodness and integrating knowledge, love and volition in action, is necessary for psychologists—indeed for all people—to work together to create a sustainable and healthy world. Another recurrent theme throughout the book is the dialectical tension between the individual and the collective: that we need to realize that self is a social creation. This is an excellent read in regard to reframing the field of psychology in terms of its responsibility as a healing science and force for social justice on a global basis. Beyond psychologists, this book would be morally and intellectually informative for and has implications useful to any educator from primary through tertiary stages. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)