Liberation Psychology: From Latin America to Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

Liberation psychology is as much a social movement as a psychological sub-discipline. It focuses on enabling oppressed groups (in particular, those oppressed through colonization) to engage in self-reflection, self-transformation, and ultimately, true psychological and cultural liberation – which in turn liberates society as a whole.

The roots of liberation psychology lie in Latin America, where the movement was inspired by the writings of Paulo Freire in Brazil and developed by Ignacio Martín-Baró in El Salvador. However, the conditions that inspired the growth of liberation psychology – in particular, oppression and colonial hegemony – are, of course, not unique to Latin America. Such conditions are experienced in many countries, including Aotearoa/New Zealand. In response, researchers around the world have begun exploring how liberation psychology may help address the problems associated with these oppressive colonial legacies.