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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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The Personal Consequences of Work in the New Capitalism
Richard Sennett
In 'The Corrosion of Character', Richard Sennett examines the effects of contemporary capitalism on personal and social life. He argues that the shift towards flexible work undermines long-term commitments and personal narratives, leading to the erosion of traditional values like loyalty and mutual commitment. Through real-life stories, Sennett illustrates how these changes affect individuals' sense of self and their relationships.
Persons: Understanding Psychological Selfhood and Agency
None
Jeff Sugarman
Jack Martin
The Self, From Emptiness to Multiplicity, The Self of the Year 2000
The Self, From Emptiness to Multiplicity, The Self of the Year 2000
Phil Cushman
Peter Guilford
The saturated self
The saturated self
Kenneth J. Gergen
Kenneth Gergen's "The Saturated Self" explores the impact of postmodernity on the construction of identity. Gergen argues that the rapid pace of social and technological change has led to a proliferation of identities and a sense of fragmentation. He examines how individuals navigate the complexities of multiple roles and relationships in a world characterized by constant flux. The book challenges traditional notions of a stable and coherent self, emphasizing the fluid and relational nature of identity. Gergen's work offers a critical perspective on the challenges and opportunities of constructing a self in a postmodern world.
The Architects of Adjustment
The Architects of Adjustment
A History of the Psychological Profession in the United States
Donald A. Dewsbury
Donald Dewsbury's "The Architects of Adjustment" provides a critical examination of the role of psychology in shaping societal norms and maintaining the status quo. The book explores how psychological theories and practices have been used to reinforce existing power structures and social inequalities. Dewsbury analyzes the historical development of psychology, highlighting its close ties to institutions such as education, hospitals, and prisons. He argues that psychology has often served to normalize and perpetuate social injustices rather than challenge them. The book's critical perspective encourages a re-evaluation of psychology's role in society.
Sources of the Self
Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor's Sources of the Self is a comprehensive exploration of the development of the self in Western thought. The book traces the evolution of self-understanding from ancient Greece to the modern era, examining how different philosophical and religious traditions have shaped our conceptions of identity. Taylor argues that the modern self is characterized by a unique sense of autonomy and individuality, but also by a profound sense of alienation and fragmentation. He explores the implications of these developments for our understanding of ethics, politics, and religion. The book is highly influential in the fields of philosophy, sociology, and religious studies. It's a challenging but rewarding read for anyone interested in the history of ideas and the nature of the self.
Jeff Sugarman is a distinguished scholar in theoretical and philosophical psychology, known for his work examining the psychology of selfhood, human agency, and the sociopolitical underpinnings of psychological science. A Professor Emeritus in the Education Department at Simon Fraser University, Dr. Sugarman has spent decades critically interrogating the ways mainstream psychology reflects and reinforces the ideologies of neoliberalism, shaping how we understand identity, mental health, and human development.
In this interview, he explores the philosophical foundations of psychology, the psychological costs of neoliberalism, and why developing a critical psychology of education and mental health is more urgent than ever.
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Mad in America: Rethinking Mental Health 
