Problem-solving versus problem-making in society

pp. 219-237

in: Thomas Teo, Outline of theoretical psychology, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018

Abstract

Psychology has a problematic historical record regarding marginalized groups in terms of knowledge and treatment. Nonwhite populations, the second gender, underclasses, persons with disabilities, queer persons, and other groups have been identified in psychological knowledge as deficient. Critical psychologists have challenged the supposed knowledge about the Other at all stages of the psychological research process. It is suggested that psychology is often not about problem-solving but about problem-making. It is argued that problematization can take on the role of violence. An important investigation concerns the role of epistemic responsibility when interpreting results in empirical research. It is argued that within the neoliberal world order something new has emerged: Not only marginalized groups, but everyone (every single individual) has been, and can be, made into a problem. Thus, theoretical analyses must not only focus on the problematization of oppressed people or minorities, but on human beings more generally. Options for resistance in the context of a new nihilism are discussed.