Community Psychology: In Pursuit of Liberation and Well-being - Softcover

Nelson; Prilleltensky

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230219950 ISBN 13: 9780230219953

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010

Synopsis

In its broadest sense, community psychology studies the individual's relationships to their community and to wider society. Sitting at the junction between social and clinical psychology, and heavily influenced by activist traditions in political science, sociology and social work, this powerfully written book delivers a comprehensive introduction to the definition and aims of this justice-orientated field of psychology. Editors Nelson and Prilleltensky cover a broad range of the critical perspectives and fundamental values that define the aims of community psychology, highlighting the psychosocial praxis that these have produced and the key political and societal ills that they aim to prevent. Written with a global perspective, this book exhibits internationally authored chapters as well as in-text commentators and cross-cultural case studies. This book is a key guide to understanding how community psychologists function to resolve structural injustice and bring about transformative change to the socio-economic issues of our time such as homelessness, mental health, racism, discrimination and marginalisation.

This text can be used as an essential guide for undergraduate students beginning courses in Community Psychology as it presents a thorough history of the field, a rigorous breakdown of the various socio-economic issues at the heart of community psychology’s focus, as well as a critical analysis of methods of intervention and research. 

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The second edition of this introductory textbook, Community Psychology, has been updated and expanded to reflect how changes within society have led to developments across the field.
The authors offer a fascinating introduction for students, setting out the principles of community psychology as they consider how its roots have helped to shape the goals of liberation and well-being. Following this, the authors look closely at the conceptual, interventional and research tools of community psychology and how they can be applied in different contexts, the difficulties faced and practical ways to help achieve social justice.
Featuring a wide range of critical perspectives, international examples, exercises and additional online resources, this textbook will encourage students to think more critically about the role of psychology in society and about how community psychology can aid in the liberation of oppressed groups to promote social justice and well-being.

About the Author:

GEOFFREY NELSON is Professor of Psychology and faculty member in the Community Psychology programme at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. He served as the senior editor of the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health and is the author of five other books related to community psychology.

ISAAC PRILLELTENSKY is Dean of the School of Education at the University of Miami, USA. He previously directed the Ph.D. programme in Community Research and Action at Vanderbilt University and has also taught community psychology in Australia and Canada. He is the author or co-editor of six other books related to community psychology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0230219950
• ISBN 13: 9780230219953
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 596