Psychology’s Quiet Conservatism: How a Supposedly Woke Science Promotes Capitalism and Protects Privilege
General non-fiction, Philosophy, Politics and government, Psychology, Science and technology
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Summary
What if psychology isn&’t as liberal as we think? Psychology is often seen as a progressive discipline — a champion of social justice, diversity, and liberal values. But this provocative book challenges that assumption. It argues that psychology, from its… historical entanglements with eugenics and colonialism to its modern-day focus on individualism, has long served to reinforce the status quo. Even as many psychologists identify as politically liberal, the field&’s methods, theories, and institutions often promote a worldview that downplays inequality, pathologizes dissent, and resists structural change. Psychology&’s emphasis on personal responsibility, resilience, and self-help frequently aligns more closely with conservative ideals than with progressive ones. This book explores how the myth of a &“liberal bias&” in psychology has been weaponised in today&’s culture wars — and how it distracts from the field&’s real political blind spots. It asks: what would it mean for psychology to truly live up to its promise of promoting human welfare? Accessible, deeply researched, and sharply argued, Psychology&’s Quiet Conservatism is essential reading for anyone interested in how science shapes society — and how society shapes science.