The rascist, euro-centric and colonial foundations of western psychology

The critique that mainstream models of psychology are i and that they lack consideration of consciousness, states, stages, or mysticism, stems from several interconnected observations about the field's historical development, assumptions, and methodologies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this critique:

1. Historical Roots in Western Culture

• Eurocentrism in Founding Theories: Modern psychology emerged in Europe and North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founders like Wilhelm Wundt, Sigmund Freud, and William James drew upon Western philosophical traditions and cultural contexts to develop their theories. These frameworks often excluded or dismissed non-Western knowledge systems.
• Colonial Assumptions: Many psychological theories emerged in colonial contexts, implicitly or explicitly viewing non-European ways of thinking and behaving as "primitive" or "inferior." For instance, developmental psychology often assumes a linear progression toward norms defined by Western standards.
• Pathologization of Non-Western Practices: Practices rooted in indigenous or non-Western traditions—such as meditation, shamanic rituals, or other spiritual practices—have often been labeled as pathological, superstitious, or irrational.

2. Implicit Racism

• Normativity and Measurement Bias: Psychological tools, such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and diagnostic criteria, were historically developed and normed on white, Western populations. When applied to non-Western or non-white populations, these tools frequently pathologized or misinterpreted cultural differences.
• Neglect of Cultural Contexts: Mainstream models often universalize Western experiences, neglecting how race, ethnicity, and culture influence mental health, identity development, or social functioning. This is evident in theories like Erikson's psychosocial stages or Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which assume universality despite being deeply rooted in Western individualistic values.
• Structural Racism in Practice: Institutional racism within psychological research and clinical practice has marginalized scholars and practitioners of color, limiting diverse perspectives and reinforcing a predominantly white, Eurocentric narrative.

3. Absence of Nature of Consciousness

• Reductionist Orientation: Mainstream psychology has historically adopted a reductionist and materialist framework, focusing on observable behavior, cognitive processes, and brain functions. This approach largely ignores subjective and qualitative aspects of consciousness.
• Avoidance of Mystical and Transpersonal Experiences: Experiences involving altered states of consciousness (e.g., through meditation, psychedelics, or spiritual practices) are often excluded or marginalized in psychological research because they challenge materialist paradigms. This has led to the neglect of entire areas of human experience.

4. Neglect of Mysticism and Non-Western Epistemologies

• Colonial Dismissal of Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous and Eastern traditions, which often emphasize interconnectedness, spirituality, and the non-material dimensions of life, have been dismissed or appropriated without acknowledgment. For example, mindfulness and meditation, rooted in Buddhist traditions, have been secularized in Western contexts without addressing their deeper philosophical and cultural foundations.
• Fear of the Subjective: Mainstream psychology tends to view mystical or spiritual experiences as unscientific because they are subjective and not easily quantifiable. This reflects a Western preference for objective, empirical data.

5. Stages and States of Consciousness

• Failure to Integrate Diverse Models: The field has largely ignored sophisticated models of consciousness from non-Western traditions, such as Vedantic, Buddhist, or shamanic frameworks. These models offer detailed maps of human consciousness, including stages of enlightenment and altered states, which Western psychology has struggled to incorporate.
• Psychedelic Research as an Example: For much of the 20th century, research into psychedelics, which can induce profound changes in consciousness, was suppressed due to political and cultural biases, further marginalizing these aspects of human psychology.

6. Colonialism in Psychological Practice

• Imposition of Western Frameworks: Western psychology has been exported globally through colonization, development aid, and globalization. This often involved imposing Western frameworks on non-Western societies, disregarding indigenous understandings of mental health and well-being.
• Marginalization of Indigenous Healing Practices: Practices like ayahuasca ceremonies, sweat lodges, or other traditional healing methods are often ignored or stigmatized within mainstream psychology, even when they are central to the mental health of certain communities.

What Needs to Change?

To address these critiques, psychology must:

• Acknowledge Historical Biases: Reflect on and address the colonial and racist foundations of the discipline.
• Incorporate Cultural Contexts: Develop models that are culturally sensitive and inclusive of diverse worldviews.
• Expand Beyond Materialism: Embrace approaches that explore consciousness, spirituality, and subjectivity in scientifically rigorous ways.
• Recognize Indigenous Knowledge: Collaborate with and learn from indigenous and non-Western traditions to create a more holistic understanding of the mind and behavior.

By critically reflecting on these aspects, psychology can evolve into a discipline that better represents and serves humanity in its full diversity.