Indigenizing psychology: A way forward for Indigenous knowledges in the psy-disciplines?
Within the psychological science and practice that is addressing environmental issues and climate change, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating ecological epistemologies and Indigenous Knowledges. This article examines the potential benefits and challenges of such incorporations, discussing ethical, epistemological, and pragmatic aspects. Instead of fostering a more pluralistic or holistic view of the world, uncritical psychological science and practice dealing with Indigenous Knowledges could result in selectively adopting elements that align with pre-existing standards.
Forfatter
Erik Nakkerud
Medforfatter
Johanna Sofia Adolfsson, Susanne Normann, & Christian Andres Palacios Haugestad
Tidsskrift
International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation
Abstract
This article examines the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating ecological epistemologies and Indigenous Knowledges (IK) within psychological science. While there is growing recognition of the value of IK in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, there is a risk of reproducing problems associated with mainstream psychology's individualist and universalist approaches. In acknowledging nonhegemonic approaches, it is crucial to avoid romanticizing or exploiting/extracting ecological epistemologies and IK. Such actions can lead to the othering and neocolonization of Indigenous communities, undermining their autonomy and perpetuating harmful power dynamics. As for psychological science and practice engagement with IK might lead to an essentialization, which, again, sustains hegemonic psychological norms.
We suggest that Cultural Psychology’s dialogical focus and sensitivity to the meaning of the broader context and power relations provides important tools for fostering deeper learning and supporting decolonial transformation in psychological science’s turn to ecological and Indigenous Knowledges.