Lois Holzman’s Performing Psychology is an unusual volume containing not only essays and argumentation, but also theatrical plays and group conversations. Together, they provide multiple ways of entering into the rich dialogue taking place concerning how psychology has misguided and, in many ways, harmed people and societies worldwide.
Along with an exploration of Newman and Holzman’s deconstruction of mainstream psychology, the course will provide the opportunity to look at other critiques that have different intellectual and activist roots and discover if any of the similarities and differences “make a difference.” For example, Newman and Holzman’s practical-critical method owes much to Marx, Vygotsky and Wittgenstein; grew from and is part of community organizing; and its focus is on reinitiating and supporting human and community development as necessary for transformative social change. Other critiques have equally complex and fascinating histories and influences, including philosophy, physics, the fine and performing arts, and non-Western and indigenous thinking and practices.
