Power, Well-being, Oppression, and Liberation: Points of Departure

Abstract

This chapter describes our basic approach to critical psychology. We begin with power because it is pivotal in attaining well-being and in opposing injustice. Then, we explore the remaining three foundational concepts of our work: wellbeing, oppression, and liberation. We discuss how these basic notions inform critical psychology practice. We pay particular attention to the need to cross boundaries in levels of intervention and disciplinary orientations. We also address the issue of clear communication and sensitivity to contextual considerations. We conclude with a brief overview of the book.