Patel, N. (2003). Clinical Psychology: Reinforcing Inequalities or Facilitating Empowerment? The International Journal of Human Rights, 7, 16 – 39. https://doi.org/10.1080/714003792
Abstract
To what extent do psychologists continue to reinforce inequalities by unquestioningly reaffirming existing oppressive theorising and practices, thereby maintaining the status quo and endorsing human rights violations? Or, to what extent do they attempt to facilitate empowerment by those who have suffered human rights violations, and do they challenge the social and political order by offering theoretical and practical alternatives towards a more just psychology? It is argued that for any psychologist committed to the humanitarian values embedded within psychology, the challenge is, first, to engage in critical reflection of their own professional and personal biases, which serve the social order and which contribute to the perpetration of abuses of power and the maintenance of social inequalities; and, second, to seek more just alternatives.