Psychologists for Social Change is a network of applied psychologists, academics, therapists, psychology graduates and others who are interested in applying psychology to policy and political action. We believe that people's social, political and material contexts are central to their experiences as individuals. We aim to encourage more psychologists to draw on our shared experience and knowledge to engage in public and policy debates.
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The Racism of Race Science
Simon Goodman explores the dark history of 'race science'. Why do psychologists need to reject the concept of 'race', to properly address racism? Read about this and other topics on the PSC blog |
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Black Lives Matter
By Halina Bryan
It happened four thousand miles away, some people and newspapers say.
However the oppression, brutalisation and trauma transcend time and space, and are relentlessly present in the lives of black people, here in the UK.
The time we and our ancestors have given, waiting for our humanity to be acknowledged and represented in social equality and change.
Yet, this continues to be a promise undelivered, denied, with conscious efforts made to keep black people and justice estranged.
So many are content to turn their eyes and hearts away from, or ‘justify’ our suffering and pain.
Systemic racism often moves in the shadows, at other times in plain sight of day.
It always inflicts indescribable pain and trauma along its way.
Its insidious roots and branches are deep and far reaching.
But for many our testimonies, calls and cries for action and change, are rejected and claimed to be unwarranted preaching.
Familiar words spoken, which ‘other’, change the focus, and assign to us the personal blame.
The searing silence and efforts of some to protect their fragility, privilege, and the systems that support it, that for them, things can remain the same.
George’s anguished face on the pavement, an image that cannot be shaken.
I stand weary, just how many more lives must be taken?
The perpetrators saw no value in his black life, enabling his humanity to be mercilessly forsaken.
We bear witness, hearts broken, our souls howl in pain.
The pain is so deep, raw and visceral, that it stirs our ancestors in their sacred resting plane.
We weep and ask ‘will things always be the same’?
How much longer will the ruling majority continue to stamp its foot on our necks, and sanction us being murdered and maimed?
While observing these historical patterns, our collective humanity bows its head in shame.
It is hard not to fall into a dark pit of hopelessness and despair.
But my faith, my people and our allies lift my heart and spirit, as we speak up, show up and stand in mutual solidarity, while all committing to do our share.
I know for us equality, justice, freedom and peace will never be served up on a platter.
However our birth right inherently and unequivocally decrees that BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!
THIS MUST END
In honour of our ancestors and those most recently fallen – Rest in Power and Peace George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Ahbery & Belly Mujinga.
By Halina Bryan , Second Year Clinical Psychology Trainee, University of Manchester (UK)
By Halina Bryan
It happened four thousand miles away, some people and newspapers say.
However the oppression, brutalisation and trauma transcend time and space, and are relentlessly present in the lives of black people, here in the UK.
The time we and our ancestors have given, waiting for our humanity to be acknowledged and represented in social equality and change.
Yet, this continues to be a promise undelivered, denied, with conscious efforts made to keep black people and justice estranged.
So many are content to turn their eyes and hearts away from, or ‘justify’ our suffering and pain.
Systemic racism often moves in the shadows, at other times in plain sight of day.
It always inflicts indescribable pain and trauma along its way.
Its insidious roots and branches are deep and far reaching.
But for many our testimonies, calls and cries for action and change, are rejected and claimed to be unwarranted preaching.
Familiar words spoken, which ‘other’, change the focus, and assign to us the personal blame.
The searing silence and efforts of some to protect their fragility, privilege, and the systems that support it, that for them, things can remain the same.
George’s anguished face on the pavement, an image that cannot be shaken.
I stand weary, just how many more lives must be taken?
The perpetrators saw no value in his black life, enabling his humanity to be mercilessly forsaken.
We bear witness, hearts broken, our souls howl in pain.
The pain is so deep, raw and visceral, that it stirs our ancestors in their sacred resting plane.
We weep and ask ‘will things always be the same’?
How much longer will the ruling majority continue to stamp its foot on our necks, and sanction us being murdered and maimed?
While observing these historical patterns, our collective humanity bows its head in shame.
It is hard not to fall into a dark pit of hopelessness and despair.
But my faith, my people and our allies lift my heart and spirit, as we speak up, show up and stand in mutual solidarity, while all committing to do our share.
I know for us equality, justice, freedom and peace will never be served up on a platter.
However our birth right inherently and unequivocally decrees that BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!
THIS MUST END
In honour of our ancestors and those most recently fallen – Rest in Power and Peace George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Ahbery & Belly Mujinga.
By Halina Bryan , Second Year Clinical Psychology Trainee, University of Manchester (UK)
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PSC and COVID-19
Find out more here about the range of actions PSC are taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Read our briefing paper on the impact of austerity
- Humiliation and shame
- Fear and distrust
- Instability and insecurity
- Isolation and loneliness
- Being trapped and powerless
Briefing papers
Austerity ailmentsWe've pulled together evidence that shows how cuts have been toxic for people’s wellbeing and mental health
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Preaching to the non-convertedOur guide to communicating abstract concepts like 'austerity' and 'inequality' to a broad audience
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Universal basic incomeA psychological impact assessment of universal basic income
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Join your local group
Click through to Groups under the More navigation tab above to find your local group. If you don't see a group near you and you want to start one, here are some thoughts about how to do that.
Questions? Do contact us using the form below or email psychologychange@gmail.com
Questions? Do contact us using the form below or email psychologychange@gmail.com
Campaigns and Actions
Children’s mental health1400 people signed our open letter to the government requesting changes to their Children and Young People's Mental Health green paper
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Revisioning educationWe draw on the views of students to think about how the education system could be transformed from coercive to nourishing
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Everyday impact of cutsOur Everyday Austerity campaign documents how cuts have impacted anyone who works for, uses or needs psychological services
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Esther McVey and SamaritansMcVey's appointment to the Samaritan's board is incompatible with her voting record as a minister
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Origins of HappinessWhy it is dangerous to focus on alleviating mental health problems rather than poverty
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Psychologically healthy policy?We examine government policies for their potential or actual psychological impact
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