Mad in America: Rethinking Mental Health Psychology, Personhood, and the Crisis of Neoliberalism: Jeff Sugarman on Theoretical and Critical Psychology
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Mar 19, 2025 Jeff Sugarman, a distinguished scholar in theoretical and philosophical psychology, discusses the impact of neoliberalism on identity and mental health. He critiques how mainstream psychology often reflects market ideologies, reshaping selfhood and relationships. Sugarman emphasizes the necessity for a critical psychology that addresses social justice and inequality. He also explores the philosophical roots of psychology and advocates for integrating the humanities in understanding selfhood, offering fresh perspectives on the role of mental health in society.
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Jeff Sugarman's Academic Journey
- Jeff Sugarman's academic journey began in Canada, where he studied psychology and pursued a music career.
- Returning to academia, he pursued counseling psychology and a doctorate in educational psychology, encountering critical perspectives that shaped his interest in philosophical psychology.
Neoliberalism's Impact on Self and Society
- Neoliberalism promotes the market as the central organizing principle of human existence, impacting self-perception and social relations.
- Citizens become rational, self-interested actors, compelled to generate economic activity within a competitive marketplace.
Social Anxiety and Neoliberalism
- The rise of social anxiety diagnoses is linked to neoliberal pressures of self-marketing and social networking.
- Understanding the historical context of psychological phenomena helps avoid essentialist thinking, recognizing their contingency and particularity.
